Help us create a free access, community skatepark in Jayyous, Palestine!
Jayyous Skatepark is a collaboration between SkatePal and SkateQilya, two non-profit organisations empowering girls and boys in Palestine through skateboarding.
This September we will be working with a team of international volunteers and professional skatepark builders to construct a 600m2, free access community skatepark in the picturesque Palestinian village of Jayyous.
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Jayyous Skatepark Design
Working together with the local community and partner organisations, we will provide the fast-growing group of skateboarders in Jayyous a safe space to engage with each other and call their own!
Our skatepark site is next to the main high school in the centre of Jayyous, making it easily accessible for all young people in the village and surrounding area.
Why Jayyous?
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Jayyous Skate Crew
Jayyous is a Palestinian village in the north western part of the West Bank, close to Qalqilya. It is a farming community with a population of around 5000 people.
Half of the population of Jayyous are under 25. There are currently no safe places for young people to play and engage with each other. The only playground in the village has been run down and completely unusable for years. Outside of studying, children mostly spend their days hanging out in the streets to pass the time.
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In recent years, skateboarding has been growing in popularity across the West Bank, and in Jayyous, boys and girls have embraced skateboarding as a fun new activity.
We are excited to give these young skaters a space to work together, creatively express themselves and empower their community, planting seeds for future generations.
Why Skateboarding?
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Skateboarding is one of the most inclusive sports in the world. It instantly dissolves barriers between class, race, age and gender.
Skateboarding engages youth, relieves stress and helps to build confidence and form long lasting friendships.
Skateboarding isn’t hierarchical - it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a professional, a child or an adult.
Skateboarding is fun!
Jayyous Skatepark Team
SkatePal
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SkatePal is a non-profit organisation that works with communities throughout Palestine to enhance the lives of young people and promote the benefits of skateboarding.
Since 2013, SkatePal’s committed team of local and international volunteers have been building skateparks, teaching skate classes and providing equipment to young people across the country, enabling an ever-growing number of Palestinian skaters to empower themselves and inspire the next generation of Palestinian youth.
SkateQilya
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SkateQilya is a youth empowerment program that uses skateboarding and art to teach community building and leadership skills to girls and boys in Palestine.
Launched in 2016, SkateQilya began as a three-week summer camp in which young girls and boys from the city of Qalqilya and neighbouring village of Jayyous came together in one of the most unique co-ed programs in Palestine.
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SkateQilya Summer Camp 2016
Their 2017 summer camp brings together 35 students from five different locations around the West Bank, all participating in activities including photography and video, conversational English for social media, community building and leadership training, and of course, skateboarding!
Construction
SkateQilya has secured the land, prepared the site, and has been sourcing materials in the lead up to construction. Mohammad Othman, SkateQilya’s Executive Director, will be managing the day-to-day logistics of the project.
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Skatepark construction will be led by The Community Collective, an organisation that worked with SkatePal in Asira Al-Shamaliya (2015), and has built skateparks in India, Myanmar and Nepal in collaboration with Make Life Skate Life. The park has been designed in conjunction with professional skatepark designers East By West Co.
Funding
SkatePal and SkateQilya have jointly raised £15,000 towards Jayyous Skatepark so far, but are looking for another £10,000 to finish the project and make it the best skatepark possible!
- Our existing £15,000 has been allocated for site preparation and materials.
- Any money raised over £10,000 will go towards making the project sustainable for years to come.
Skate Classes & Sustainability
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SkatePal's Asira Al-Shamaliya Skatepark.
Once completed, the skatepark will be managed by SkateQilya, who will continue working with SkatePal and the local community to co-ordinate free skateboarding classes.
Between SkatePal and SkateQilya’s local and international volunteers, we have a great team of skateboard instructors ready to get new kids rolling right away!
We will include a loaner-board program at the skatepark whereby those without a skateboard will be able to borrow one free of charge.
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SkateQilya Summer Camp 2016
We also have great plans in store for 2018. Next summer SkateQilya will be hosting their third skate camp at the Jayyous park. Like many skateparks around the world, we envision this park becoming more than just a space for skateboarders. Whether on or off the board, young people and their families will be able to enjoy one of the most beautiful spots in Jayyous, engaging as a community at the new skatepark.
Looking towards the future, SkateQilya and SkatePal are excited to continue working together to help Palestinian girls and boys discover not only skateboarding, but their own creativity and freedom.
Help us create a safe space for the community to enjoy for years to come!
Stay in touch!
For the latest updates, follow @jayyouspark on Facebook and Instagram, or contact us at jayyouspark@gmail.com.
