Kouv Chan “Tin” Sangva

Kouv Chan “Tin” Sangva is the Programmes Officer in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, for Skateistan, an NGO that aims to empower children through skateboarding and educational programmes.

As Programmes Officer, her main responsibilities are to teach students both in the skatepark and the classroom, create and develop Skateistan’s creative curriculum, engage young people in social activities and organise all education-related activities and events.

Born in the outskirts of Phnom Penh to a poor family, Sangva faced many challenges growing up, including violence at home on an almost daily basis. This resulted in feelings of low self-esteem and a fear of meeting new people. Her family’s economic situation meant that, although she completed high school, university was never an option for her.

Sangva dreamed of becoming a teacher in an NGO, as she wanted to work with disadvantaged children, especially girls. Eventually, she managed not only to achieve her dream, but to also take it to new level. An accomplished skater herself, Sangva acts as a role model for young girls in Phnom Penh.

Skateistan works to provide free sport and educational programmes to children aged 5-17, with a particular focus on girls, children from low-income backgrounds and children living with disabilities. Skateistan runs programmes in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa.