157
children impacted through Edu-Skate
28%
female participation
2200+
skateboards loaned
230+
weekly skatepark users
8
permanent staff
1
freelancers
Jamaica, and especially its capital, is one of the most vibrant but also violent places on earth. In fact, while boasting impressive music, arts and sport cultures, it also has one of the highest national homicide rates in the world. Providing Jamaican at-risk youth with a positive, constructive and healthy outlet to avoid getting tangled in such criminality and violence thus lies at the heart of this project.
Located just outside the Jamaican capital in 8 Mile Bull Bay, the 1300 sqm Freedom Skatepark was built over the course of 7 weeks in early 2020 by some 40 international and local volunteers. The build saw the first implementation of CJF’s paid apprenticeship programme, which allowed 6 local skaters to shadow professional builders over the construction period while earning a living wage.
The Edu-Skate programme was implemented at the Freedom Skatepark following the Covid-19 restrictions in August 2020 and continues to operate with the aid of international volunteers and local staff.
The Skatepark
Reports
Sep 26, 2020 · 6 min read
Much will be written about the fundamental global changes ushered in by the emergence of COVID-19. Overnight this international health emergency forcefully inserted itself into the everyday, ironically serving as a reminder of the interconnected delicateness of human existence ...
Read more
Sep 18, 2020 · 4 min read
I was nervous, battling second thoughts of even going. What if I dislike the work? What if I can’t do what’s required? Life can be beautiful even if you don't feel completely comfortable, I tell myself ...
Read more
Sep 27, 2019 · 4 min read
In February 2020 a group of 25 international volunteers will link up with Jamaican skateboarders to build Kingston’s very first skatepark, as well as a community centre attached to it...
Read more
Sep 18, 2020 · 4 min read
I was nervous, battling second thoughts of even going. What if I dislike the work? What if I can’t do what’s required? Life can be beautiful even if you don't feel completely comfortable, I tell myself ...
Read more
Sep 27, 2019 · 4 min read
In February 2020 a group of 25 international volunteers will link up with Jamaican skateboarders to build Kingston’s very first skatepark, as well as a community centre attached to it...
Read moreCheck out our Jamaica IG channel for daily news from the local team.
Meet the homies behind the scene and the international volunteers presently here.
This local team handles the day to day activities at the skatepark.
Project
Manager
Tabetha Phillips
Skatepark
Manager
Blake Burnett
Skatepark &
Media Manager
Jeff Crossly
Edu-skate
Head Teacher
Ivah Wilmot
Edu-skate
Head Teacher
Kayla Wheeler
Edu-skate
Assistant Teacher
Daniel Mattis
Edu-skate
Assistant Teacher
Joshua Mattis
Edu-skate
Assistant Teacher
Sanjay Grant
Our ongoing activities in Jamaica rely on the dedication and support of both local skaters as well as international volunteers. Keen to get involved on the ground?
Minimum time commitment: 1 month
Minimum time commitment: 1 month
Have you experienced the positive influence skateboarding can have on your personal development and the development of a community? Are you excited to support a rising skateboard community and spread the love and benefits of skateboarding with the youths that can benefit from it the most? Come volunteer at one of our projects and experience first-hand the powerful impact our skateparks have in developing countries. You can compose your own volunteering experience based on your passions and the fields our projects need support in. Take a look at our volunteering packs for more information and fill out an application form if you're ready to take the next step!
Learn more about this role through the Jamaica Volunteer Pack.
Apply nowMinimum time commitment: 6 months
Minimum time commitment: 6 months
Do you have the experience, skills and/or interest to take on more responsibilities as a volunteer and develop skills in management, organisation and leadership? Then this one might be for you. As project manager you’ll be leading on-the-ground activities at the skatepark as well as managing the local team and international volunteers. Minimum time commitment: 6 months, but more perks.
Learn more about this role through the Jamaica Volunteer Pack.
Apply now
Concrete Jungle Family is our global community of supporters, skateboarders, students and parents that share our mission to empower children through skateboarding, youth programmes and community development.
With the support of the Family, we have over the past three years been able to...
By donating 5€ or more a month you can join the Concrete Jungle Family, help us support the hundreds of youth we work with around the world, as well as help us build more skateparks for communities in need.
All Family Members also get -25% off everything in our online shop!
Thank you for helping us spread the positive seeds of skateboarding.
Referral programme
Concrete Jungle Family is our global community of supporters, skateboarders, students and parents that share our mission to empower children through skateboarding, youth programmes and community development.
With the support of the Family, we have over the past three years been able to...
By donating 5€ or more a month you can join the Concrete Jungle Family, help us support the hundreds of youth we work with around the world, as well as help us build more skateparks for communities in need.
All Family Members also get -25% off everything in our online shop!
Thank you for helping us spread the positive seeds of skateboarding.
Referral programme
See the documentary
