While Skateistan strives to tell a positive story about Afghanistan, it’s also important for people to understand the trauma children face in order to fully appreciate their inspiring resilience and optimism.
On December 6th Kabul witnessed another tragic suicide attack – this time targeting the religious Ashura celebrations. Four girls who attend Skateistan were seriously injured and another four former female students died in the attacks. While Skateistan operates amidst conflict and crisis, this is the first time our students have been hurt.
No words can describe the sorrow and despair our teachers, staff and students experience these days. But we also know that keeping the skatepark and school open remains a light in the dark for more than 300 other kids and youth.
The four girls who were injured were all street-working girls from families with very limited resources. Therefore, Skateistan has decided to help the families of the girls ensuring their swift recovery. Skateistan’s US entity will collect funds in support of these efforts throughout December. Any donation made to Skateistan via the US PayPal account or through wire transfer from now until January 1st will be transferred as a cash grant to Skateistan in Kabul to support the girls in any way needed.
Funds collected will be used for medical support as well as support to the livelihoods of the families as the harsh winter is setting in in Kabul with the income of the girls missing. We hope you will help us heal the wounds of these girls, physically as well as mentally, as we’re praying to have them back on their skateboards in good health as soon as possible.
(via Skateistan)
You also can donate some money via RESET to support the important work the project does: https://reset.to/projekt/skateistan
RESET hopes that the girls are back skateboarding soon!