Skater Girls in Afghanistan

Being a girl in Afghanistan can mean few opportunities for education, but Skateistan is helping to eliminate gender inequalities. The project draws children away from lives spent begging and into an educational setting where devotion to academics earn a student the chance to train as skateboarders.

Australia's Oliver Percovich and Sharna Nolan introduced skateboarding to youth in Afghanistan, and it never occurred to the girls they met that skateboarding couldn't be for them.  Percovich now directs Skateistan as a co-educational and sports complex.

Check out the website to find out more about the program, or to volunteer, work, or donate.

Afghan Hands Transforming Lives for Good

Afghan Hands teaches working skills to help women in the war-ravaged nation to gain independence, literacy, and earn a living wage. Women are taught the intricate skills needed to produce exquisitely embroidered shawls, scarves, and pillows.  The craft yields a product in high demand that connects them to consumers around the globe.

The non-profit centers provide a safe place to gather, study, and work.  The women are students in the morning and workers in the afternoon.  The education portion of Afghan Hands teaches basic human, legal, and religious rights; so, "no one will ever imprison them in the name of law, honor, or religion."


You can see their handiwork at this link or make a contribution here.