<p>It is incredibly important to have an advocate like Belkesa for women and girls at a time when about 44% of Afghan children (approximately 3.7 million) aged 7 to 17 years old are out of school. Girls make up 60% of the total children missing school, and in some of the more unstable provinces, more than 85% of girls are not in school. More than that, girls at every single age are far less likely than boys to attend public school and receive an education.&nbsp;</p>

<p dir="ltr">By combining skateboarding with creative, arts-based education, we give children the opportunity to become leaders for a better world. Through lessons that help children to learn life skills, to be creative and to think critically, we help them navigate through life’s challenges. Belkesa has a thirst for knowledge, is an intelligent and passionate public speaker and is starting to carve her path as a women’s rights advocate in a place where there are few of them. She’s already starting to help change the world for the better, and we can’t wait to see her follow her passions.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr"><strong>If you love what we’re doing and want to get involved, <a href="https://www.skateistan.org/citizens">become a Citizen of Skateistan today </a>to help more children like Belkesa discover their&nbsp;potential.&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h6 dir="ltr"><strong>*In accordance with Skateistan’s Child Protection Policy, Belkesa’s name has been changed.</strong></h6>
