Skateparks and Youth-Development
Alongside radio-based projects, we have also worked on skateboarding-led initiatives in Jordan, Palestine, Angola and Jamaica. We first began volunteering at 7hills Skatepark in Downtown Amman on days we were not in Zaatari, and from there have collaborated with 7Hills, worked with Concrete Jungle Foundation and volunteered with SkatePal. Over Summer 2021, we supported the children of Zaatari travelling to Amman for weekly skateboarding lessons at 7Hills Skatepark. Having seen the playful yet transformative power radio broadcasting had in Zaatari, we felt inspired and aligned with the work of skateboarding NGOs in Jordan, MENA and around the world.
Skatepark Construction
We first partook in skatepark construction in Angola alongside the Angolan Skateboarding Union and Concrete Jungle Foundation (CJF).
After constructing the country’s first skatepark in Luanda at Campo Polivalente, Golfe 2, we continued working alongside Concrete Jungle Foundation becoming an official partner for the construction Kingston’s first skatepark in Bull Bay, Jamaica. This was the first time CJF trialled their Plating Seeds Apprenticeship Programme offering a structured skatepark construction course for Jamaican skateboarders alongside industry professional.
In 2021 we participated in 7Hills-led construction of Al-Nour Skatepark in Qweismeh District of East-Amman. The skatepark serves as a free-to-use public space in one of Amman’s most socioeconomically challenged neighbourhoods.
Photo by Jago Stock
CJF, Edu-Skate and Youth-Development
Across their skateparks in Angola, Jamaica and Peru, Concrete Jungle Foundation offer Edu-Skate classes underpinned by the Self-Determination Theory. Rather than teaching just skateboarding, each class is designed to improve a child’s autonomy, competence and relatedness as indicators of a happy and healthy life. Within the contexts of where these skateparks are situated, Edu-Skate serves to support positive youth-led development.
Alongside Edu-Skate, these skateparks host a number of programming designed to further sport positive youth development. These include homework classes, photography workshops, music lessons, computer programming, and woodwork. This programming not only teaches life skills, but supports personal development and wider community cohesion. This youth development programming is driven by the community where the skateparks are situated; not only do they provide paid positions as staff members but support positive role models and authority structures.
Over Summer 2021, we supported the children of Zaatari travelling to Amman for weekly skateboarding lessons at 7Hills Skatepark.
Photo by Ayden Stoefen