Play For Skateistan

Skateistan, the non-profit organization that runs skateboarding and arts-based programs for children living in at-risk societies, has today unveiled a new campaign ‘Play For Skateistan’, bringing the stories of children in high-conflict areas to the global gaming community.

The unique gamer-focused fundraising project aims to raise awareness and donations for the Skateistan community – children who are impacted by global conflicts and crises in areas such as Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa. The NGO was founded in 2007 to provide safe spaces, positive role models and a sense of community to children living in high-conflict zones. However unsafe conditions in these areas have made it harder for Skateistan to operate, meaning they need new methods to access support and donations in order to keep providing programs and a safe place for children.

For the first time, ‘Play For Skateistan’ brings the children of Skateistan somewhere the whole world can help and learn about their stories – the gaming world.

Created by DDB Germany, Futura FTW and in collaboration with the online gaming community referred to as the “modding community” – who create and implement in-game modifications called “mods” – three playable gaming characters have been developed based on real Skateistan students and their backstories: Sara from Afghanistan, Natalia from South Africa and Arun from Cambodia.