Skating helps bridge communication gaps, prevent substance abuse in Namibia

STORY: Skating helps bridge communication gaps, prevent substance abuse in Namibia DATELINE: Sept. 19, 2022 LENGTH: 00:01:32 LOCATION: Windhoek CATEGORY: SOCIETY SHOTLIST: 1. various of Skate Aid park 2. SOUNDBITE (English): MICHAEL KAGOLA, Skater and volunteer at the skate aid park 3. various of children skating STORYLINE: Skate Aid, a nonprofit international organization in Khomasdal, Katutura, one of the most populated townships in Namibia's capital Windhoek, is teaching skating to children with disabilities. It aims to break communication barriers, support integration, and help local people to overcome their fears of and their prejudices against people with disabilities. The skate park was built in 2018 to empower children through skateboarding while using the sport as a tool to prevent substance abuse in adolescents. The park caters to over 300 children from the Namibia Institute of Special Education and surrounding schools. They skate every day after school. SOUNDBITE (English): MICHAEL KAGOLA, S