Tim van Asdonck
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
Aug 31, 2022 · 4 min read
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
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
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
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...
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Meet the homies behind the scene.
This local team handles the day to day activities at the skatepark.
Project
Manager
Blake Burnett
Senior Skatepark
Manager
Nicholas Thompson
Skatepark
Manager
Ronley Lewis
Homework
Teacher
Icah Wilmot
Edu-Skate
Coordinator
Rayquon Abrahams
Skateboard
Teacher
Damany Gayle
Music
Teacher
Davion James
Social
Worker
Negita Brown
