Through their innovative programs, Outreach, Skate and Create, Back-to-School, Dropping In and Youth Leadership, Skateistan aims to give children the opportunity to become leaders for a better world.

Percovich perceived the lack of opportunities for young Afghans, especially girls and working children, and realized that skateboarding was a way to engage them and build community.

On October 29, 2009, in Kabul, Skateistan officially opened their first Skate School within a 1750 m2 facility that includes classrooms, offices, a sport court and the indoor skatepark.

On April 11, 2018, Skateistan celebrated its 10th birthday marking 10 years of empowering children and youth through skateboarding and education in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa.

Educators and Youth Leadership participants head out with skateboards and sports equipment to engage with local children, providing an hour of recreational activity.

In the classroom, Skateistan Educators use creative arts to teach a variety of topics, including human rights, cultural studies, nutrition and the environment.

Accessible to all levels of literacy and education, Skate and Create provides a safe space for youth to develop friendships that overcome deep social barriers.

In South Africa and Cambodia, the program takes place outside of school hours, where students can “drop in” and receive homework help and guidance with career and further education planning.

This program helps young people to develop a sense of ownership at the Skate Schools and creates role models for the other students and the wider community.

It has appeared in most major media outlets including The New York Times, Foreign Policy, The Economist, Al Jazeera, The Telegraph and The Guardian.