Watch the Skateistan Climbing Video Here

A video about climbing activities at Skateistan has recently been completed, and shows the progress made so far in this new sport to Afghanistan. Teaching trust, confidence and problem-solving, climbing has fitted in perfectly with Skateistan's overall philosophy of trust-building, creativity, and empowerment for Afghan youth of all backgrounds.

Skateistan's climbing wall has been one of the most popular facilities at Skateistan, with dozens of students, local volunteers and staff taking part in various workshops and climbing sessions since it officially opened in late 2010. Climbing demos have been a part of semester events, and climbing lessons for both girls and boys are taught by experienced climbers on staff.

Afghanistan's landscape boasts many natural wonders to challenge rock climbers of all abilities, and with this in mind outings have taken place with staff and students. In spring 2011, young climbers and Skateistan skateboard instructors climbed a rock face in Istalif, notably Faranaz, 14, who was no doubt the first Afghan girl to do an outdoor climb in her country.

(To watch the film, click 'read more')

The climbing wall was made possible due to many generous donations: carpentry support from Elias Hitthaler, Martin Walch and Martina Walch (Germany), climbing holds and equipment from T-Wall and Mur Mur Pantin & Patin (France), and the fundraising/networking efforts of Skateistan volunteers in Germany and France. See more photos of climbing at Skateistan.

Rock Climbing at Skateistan from Skateistan on Vimeo.