<p><strong><em>Student Profile: Introducing</em>... is a series where we feature a student at one of our Skate Schools to give you a chance to get to know them better. </strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr"><strong>In a country where women often face hostility when fighting for their rights, speaking out can be challenging, even intimidating...but this is something Belkesa wants to change.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p dir="ltr">Belkesa* is 10 years old and lives in the local community near the Skate School in Kabul. She has been a Skateistan student for a long time, as she first enrolled in the Back-to-School program three years ago. The Back-to-School program is an accelerated learning program for children who are out of school and is often their only chance at getting an education. In Afghanistan, children who are out of school join our Skate School five days a week to cover three grades of public education in 11 months. Upon completing this program, Belkesa is now enrolled and attending the fourth grade in the Afghan government school system.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">In the Back-to-School program, Belkesa was always really excited for the classroom sessions and the education that Skateistan lessons provided. At Skateistan in Kabul we provide learning opportunities not only in the classroom, but in non-traditional environments like the skatepark and sports hall. As much as she loved learning in the classroom she also loved free time so she could practise skateboarding and play other sports, like soccer.&nbsp;</p>

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