Photo: Skateistan.org

Every once in a while we come across a cause truly worth giving to. I think this is one of those.

Skateistan is the first school of its kind in Afghanistan, a skateboarding school dedicated to “education, cross-cultural interaction, public health, social development, and creating opportunities for girls.”

I particularly think that last part is stunningly important. Because the social norms of the region have women in a more submissive role, it’s nice to see a program where little girls can shine and learn on equal footing with their male counterparts. I believe this is not only a huge step in creating adult women who demand more of themselves and their society, but also the male children that play with them are instilled with the thought that girls are the same as them from an early age.

Skateistan just earned the Non-Governmental Organization of the Year by the Peace and Sport Forum.

The school accepts children from all socio-economic backgrounds and teaches not only skateboarding, but technology, civics, and social skills. We’ll be following the Skateistan Organization more in the coming weeks and hope to interview some of the folks who work with the organization soon. In the meantime, head over to their website for more specific information and to find out how to help the cause!