In Kabul, Afghanistan, girls’ lives are going downhill fast.  But for some, they are going back up again.  And down, and up again…

First the down.  The death of so many adults during the war in Afghanistan has created a generation of lost children.  Almost 50% of the country’s citizens are under the age of 16, and many of them are orphans.  Even worse, there are very few opportunities and the infrastructure has been largely destroyed, creating a breeding ground for frustration and violence.  Boys can burn some energy on a bike, or in a soccer game.  But for girls, such activities are forbidden, leaving them at a dead end.  And if they venture out they are under constant threat of being abused, or worse.

But now the up: a place called “Skateistan.”  It started in a decrepit, empty concrete fountain left over from the Soviet era.  It was the perfect place to learn how to skateboard.  Unlike other sports, skateboarding isn’t prohibited for girls, so they could join in.  Once it got started, kids from all over – boys and girls, from different ethnic and economic backgrounds – began pouring in, to hang out, watch each other’s back and skate together as one.  Even goofy-footers were welcomed.  It was a world unto itself, a peaceful zone in the heart of a war-torn city.  As one girl said, “Skating gives me courage, and once I start skating, I completely forget about my fears.”  After several years, Skateistan moved into a bigger indoor/outdoor facility.  Today, in addition to skateboarding, Skateistan is a cultural center offering courses in computers, journalism, art, music and life skills, to help kids build a better future.

Skateistan isn’t a panacea.  Many girls have to wear veils or quit altogether when they reach puberty.  As one grandfather warned, “Families are still careful and thoughtful about letting their daughters out. We’re entitled to be very strict and afraid because negative consequences from the Taliban time are still out there, and men do whatever they want to women.”  But at least for a little while, Skateistan lets them catch some air and kick-flip their way to some happiness, and tell their cares where to go pop-shove-it!

And maybe the city that shreds together, can stay together.