Educated girls are empowered girls: this is Laiqa's story

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Laiqa's story

This International Women’s Day, we’d like to share with you the story of a girl in our Back-to-School program in Kabul. Her name is Laiqa* and she’s 11. Laiqa’s brothers go to school but she was always kept at home. Her family prioritized the boys’ education as they couldn’t afford transport and supplies for all the children. Laiqa used to watch girls in their uniforms on their way to school and dreamt of one day being like them.

When she found out about Skateistan, everything changed. She joined our Back-to-School program which helps out of school children to cover grades 1-3 in just 11 months and then to enroll in public school. We provide transport, a healthy meal and a school uniform at the end of the program so that children are ready to join public school. In just over a month, Laiqa will graduate the program and her formal education can begin.

"It was Thursday that I came to Skateistan. I was feeling nervous; I wanted to start my education, but I was afraid of the teachers. I thought they would punish me when I cannot learn the lessons easily, but then I realized that my teacher here is kind. I can learn without fear."

We believe that educated girls are empowered girls who can shape their own futures. You can read Laiqa's full story over on our blog.

Thank you so much for giving girls like Laiqa a second chance at an education. If you’d like to continue to support Skateistan’s work, please consider that a donation of $200 can cover the costs of safe transport to and from the Skate School for two weeks for all our female staff and students in Afghanistan.

Skateistan wins IOC Women and Sport Award

Ahead of IWD, the IOC revealed the names of the six winners of the Women and Sport Awards 2020. We are so excited to hear that Skateistan was awarded the 2020 IOC Women and Sport Awards World Trophy. You can read more about the award here.

The Skateistan Team

*Laiqa’s name has been changed in accordance with Skateistan’s Child Protection Policy.

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