Bangladesh Skateboarding Initiative Lifts Children Off the Streets

Dhaka, Bangladesh: A community-driven program is transforming street children’s lives with the unexpected tool of skateboarding. Founded by an American expat and local volunteers, Bangladesh Street Kids Aid offers food, basic education, and daily skate lessons to kids who’d otherwise face drug risks and abuse on the streets. One 13-year-old girl, once homeless, now has a safe place to learn new tricks and regain trust in adults. Organizers say the fun of skateboarding builds confidence and motivates kids to stay in school. While many more remain on Dhaka’s streets—estimates hover in the millions—this initiative shows small-scale, high-impact efforts can make a difference in a city that lacks formal youth support systems.