Hi there, as some of you may know, in April I will be flying out to Palestine to volunteer and raise funds for the brilliant not-for-profit charity SkatePal. I will be joining other SkatePal volunteers in the small village of Asira Al-Shamaliya, just outside of Nablus in occupied Palestine. Here, I will be teaching skateboard classes to the youth of Asira Al-Shamaliya in the skatepark that SkatePal have built in the village.

ABOUT SKATEPAL

SkatePal is a non-profit organisation 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

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. I am paying for the cost of my flights, so your money goes straight to SkatePal. I initially needed to raise a minimum of £300, with the hope of raising nearer £500, but thanks to so many kind donations, we've managed to smash that in less than 24 hours! I've since raised the new target to £1000, so hoping to get nearer that by the time I go away in April.

Lastly, there are also no skate shops in Palestine and therefore any equipment that people are able to donate would be hugely appreciated!

Thanks for reading.