10/04/2023
ONE SMALL TOWN Barrydale, South Africa, is pleased to present its playground skatepark community project. It's more than just skateboarding, it's above all an opportunity to help young people develop new skills, keep them away from drugs and gangs, give them a chance to reintegrate into society and pave the way for a hopeful future.
Barrydale is a small town lacking in economic activity as well as recreational and sports facilities. As a result, many young people are left to fend for themselves on the streets. They take refuge in drugs, alcohol and delinquency to escape an unbearable daily routine. What they know of group life is often reduced to gang violence.
The whole point of this skatepark project is to show them that the street is also a place of cooperation and solidarity, where young people can work together on a common project, while developing new social, manual and organizational skills. It's also about providing them with a place where they can get together, practice their passion for skateboarding and do some physical exercise.
Only they need something tangible to reward their efforts. That's why they'll be offered a skateboard, which they'll own and be responsible for.
So we need your generosity. If you have any unused skateboards at home that you can donate or would like to see how you can contribute, please email Graham Abbott at [email protected]