Non-profit organisation Skateistan has branched out into Africa to launch its third skateboarding project in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Skateistan has built on its continuing projects in Afghanistan and Cambodia by constructing a skatepark and education facility in the city’s Maboneng Precinct.

The South Africa project aims to work throughout the region in a long-term capacity, guiding youth-led community projects with vulnerable youths aged five to 18.

Together with local youngsters, Skateistan cleaned and painted an abandoned Skateboarding bowl, enabling 50 young people to attend skateboarding and art education sessions there twice a week.

Skateistan’s executive director, Oliver Percovich, says they have been able to use skateboarding as a hook to address the complex social issues faced by disadvantaged youth.

“Skateistan is doing the same work in South Africa (as in Asia) to address barriers such as social inequality, youth unemployment, gender discrimination, poverty and lack of education opportunities,” he said.

The project aims to focus on life skills and confidence-building, to help break cycles of poverty and exclusion.