This summer, for the months of June and July, I have the honor of volunteering with SkatePal in an effort to support young people in Palestine through skateboarding. As a Palestinian who grew up skateboarding in NYC, I can't help but feel an emotional connection to the organization and this amazing opportunity. I will be volunteering in Asira Al-Shamaliya in Nablus located in the occupied territory of the West Bank. I can not wait to experience all that this has to offer! Any and all donations help! You can read more about SkatePal and fund allocation below. Thank you and much love and peace, always! 

ABOUT SKATEPAL

SkatePal is a non-profit organization that works with communities throughout Palestine to enhance the lives of young people and promote the benefits of skateboarding.

Since 2013, their ongoing presence and award-winning projects have reached hundreds of young people across the West Bank and won acclaim and recognition from supporters around the world.

SkatePal is run by a committed team of local and international volunteers who, through teaching skate classes, building skateparks and providing equipment, are enabling an ever-growing number of Palestinian skaters to empower themselves and inspire the next generation of Palestinian youth.

For more information, visit the website, or read some articles on the charity here: 

http://www.skatepal.co.uk/

https://www.huckmag.com/art-and-culture/thriving-skateboarding-scene-emerging-palestine/

https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/3k3zn5/israel-palestine-skate-park-post-radical-free-all-4

WHY PALESTINE?

More than half of all Palestinians living in the occupied territories are under 21 years old. Yet for many young people across the West Bank and Gaza, cultural, educational and sporting opportunities are severely limited.

WHY SKATEBOARDING?

Skateboarding is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. It has the potential to dissolve barriers between class, race, age and gender. Skateboarding engages youth, relieves stress and helps to build confidence. Skateboarding isn’t hierarchical - it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, a child or an adult.

Skateboarding is fun!

WHAT THE FUNDS WILL DO

This is a self-funded volunteer opportunity so all of the money made goes straight back into supporting the skate-scene in Palestine and keeping SkatePal running. This includes building and repair costs for the skateparks, purchasing skateboards and safety equipment for lessons, and the general day to day running of the charity. There are also no skate shops in Palestine and therefore any equipment that people are able to donate in lieu of monetary donations would be hugely appreciated!