Dear friends of Skateistan, I’m Oliver Percovich and I'm the Founder and Executive Director of Skateistan. I'm writing to invite you to join the most amazing community - the Citizens of Skateistan. Because of supporters like you, Skateistan has grown from a tiny group of students on the streets of Kabul to an international NGO with four Skate Schools in three countries and over 2,500 regular students. We are incredibly grateful for the progress that we’ve been able to make over the last 11 years - we are especially proud that 50% of our regular students are female and that we’re empowering children every day through skateboarding and high-quality education, regardless of their ability, background, ethnicity or gender. Our students are the living proof that skateboarding is for everybody! “Skateboarding is my favorite. I feel like I am flying and I can do something special and important.” Monira, Kabul, Afghanistan. But we need your help to grow. There are still many children who have no access to high quality education and no safe spaces to play. We want to change that. In 2019 we hope to open a new Skate School in Bamyan, Afghanistan. This will provide a safe, welcoming space for children from all backgrounds so they can play, learn and make new friends. We want to change more childhoods through skateboarding and reach out to more children from minority groups and children living with disabilities. “My family are happy that I go to Skateistan, as they feel happy when I talk about the skills I am learning here. I learned many lessons like life skills and sport. When I grow up I want to be the president of Afghanistan!” - Nooria, Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. Our students are not afraid to dream big. Neither are we. The best way that you can help us to realize our dreams is to become a Citizen of Skateistan. By donating $10 a month or more, you can join our global community of supporters, students, skaters and staff who share our vision of empowering children through skateboarding and education. Citizens get exclusive updates, images, videos and insights into the organization that they are helping to shape. We hope to welcome you to the Citizens soon! Oliver Percovich |