Skateboarding in Jamaica

Impact

Season 8 Report - May to August, 2022:

79 unique children impacted over 18 Edu-Skate classes.

18 total attendance over 12 Homework sessions

11 Enrichment activities took place.

29% female participation across all programmes.

989 skatepark visits.

100% locally run.

The Story

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

Check out all the reports here

News from Jamaica

Aug 31, 2022 · 4 min read

Recap: Girls Skate Day Jamaica!

Edu-Skate teacher Kayla Wheeler reflects on the first all-girls skateboarding event in Jamaica — hosted at CJF's Freedom Skatepark on August 13, 2022.

May 31, 2022 · 6 min read

Resonating with the Youth of Jamaica

After a year and a half of COVID-19 reality, four months of planning, two planes and one night spent in Toronto airport, my dream filled with anxiety-induced anticipation has come true. A frosty aluminium box has successfully transported me from a gloomy temperate London into a tropical dreamland.

May 28, 2021 · 4 min read

Interview with the Energetic Nomads from Jamaica

A year after they started skateboarding, we caught up with the Energetic Nomads, the first group of graduates from the Edu-Skate Programme at the Freedom Skatepark. They have grown into a close-knit group that spends most of their days together. Get to know the group better through the following group interview.

Sep 18, 2020 · 4 min read

A space and time: Local Planting Seeds Apprentice Kayla Wheeler on building Kingston's first skatepark

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 ...

Sep 27, 2019 · 4 min read

Building Kingston’s First Skatepark

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...

Check out our Jamaica IG channel for daily news from the local team.