Zambia Skateboarding - Support the Movement
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Hi guys, My name is Kingsley Ngenda. I am based in Manchester, UK with the goal of helping to push a generation of skaters within Zambia. I am of Zambian heritage - my father moved to the UK for University studies back in the early 80's.
Since a trip to my fathers native country almost a decade ago, I have been trying to figure out a way in which I could help my family and also the people in need over there. After a recently rekindled love for skateboarding and a little investigation into the skateboard scene over in Zambia, I was amazed as to what I found!
Skateboarding in Zambia
I started my online research in my fathers home village of Mongu based in the Western Province of Zambia. Poverty here is at an all time high, with up to 70% of its inhabitants living on less than 1 dollar a day. Yet despite its economic and social battles, there has been a recent movement of young children within Mongu paving the way for a new generation of skaters. This is being led by a young gentleman and new friend of mine Johnny K Kalenga! He has selflessly taken it upon himself to provide free skateboarding tuition to those wanting to learn through his own program 'WeSkate Mongu'. The children have used their own initiative to create skateboards from planks of wood, suitcase wheels and other various items. Unfortunately the conditions they skate in are far too dangerous, even for an experienced skateboarder. Flat ground is not too common within any part of Zambia. Busy main roads have become a common place for children to practise, which is not ideal.
I then took my research to the countries Capital city of Lusaka. This is where I found a whole generation of skaters paving the way for a promising skateboard scene in Zambia! Roughly 50+ skaters are based in this region skating only 1 or 2 locations in the whole of the city. Facilities are scarce and the only skatepark available has become so expensive to use that it is closing down later this year. I am in contact with these Skaters daily urging them to maintain their online presence. As motivated as they are, I understand that the pressures of becoming a young adult often result in a decline of interest for skateboarding, especially when there is little to no support being provided.
The mission
I aim to take a trip later on this year to both Mongu & Lusaka with my sister in the hope of acquiring some land to help begin the process of building their first free of charge Skateboard park in both regions. I am also in contact with a number of governing officials & school teachers to help try and create a self sustaining academy providing Skateboarding tuition for both children and adults. Drink, Drug abuse and sex crimes are a huge issue within the more rural areas of Africa due to the lack of recreational activities. There are endless reasons as to why skateparks are so valuable to communities. Some of the notable reasons include;
● A gathering place to help build social skills
● Help promote a more healthy and active lifestyle
● A reduction of criminal behaviour
● A safe place for young boys & girls within vulnerable communities to come together
I have already been in contact with numerous organisations including Skateistan, Make Life Skate Life, Wonders around the World.org, San Skate & Skate Aid. All have offered incredible advice on where to start and what to expect with such a huge project.
How can you help?
A project as big as this comes with its obstacles... Skateboarding to many people around the world is seen nothing more than a dangerous hobby, usually taken up by male delinquents within their teens. Changing this mindset within Zambia is going to be my first hurdle. For that reason I intend to gradually implement an understanding of what positive changes a skatepark could provide before recklessly throwing a skatepark into the community. The financial aspect is something which I am learning more and more about each day. The average cost of a skatepark in America is $45 per square foot. A reasonably sized skatepark which would allow roughly 20 simultaneous users usually sits at about 4,000-5000 square foot. This calculation implies creating something of this size would equate to $180,000-$225,000. I would of suspected costs to be much cheaper in Zambia but after speaking to the owner of the skatepark based in Lusaka which is closing this year, he informed me his project cost $110,000. I am under no illusion of creating a skatepark worthy of featuring within Tony Hawks Pro Skater, but I aim to build a great foundation for future prospects and ventures to get involved.
I am currently speaking to multiple charitable skatepark developers and construction teams who have already stated they are keen to get involved once a location has been attained to build on. Once the land has been occupied and cleared to be used by the local council, I will be using the funds raised to pay for the work to be completed by the appointed firm. I aim for the construction of said parks to begin in 2020. I will heading to Zambia myself in order to work on the skateparks, along with volunteers to help out alongside the dedicated construction team. A design for a skatepark within Mongu is currently being designed by Deep End Skateparks which will also be covered by the funds raised.
Funds provided will go towards the following;
● The cost of commercial land
● Paying for the design of a skatepark
● Funding of materials and heavy duty equipment
● Labour costs, flights & accommodation of construction workers & volunteers.
● Skateboards, safety equipment & skate hardware to be shipped from the UK to Zambia
● Providing training to locals to become youth leaders
The skateboard scene has been given a new lease of life throughout Africa over the last few years as multiple organisations have helped develop skateparks & provide incentives within Angola, Kenya, South Africa, Nairobi, Sudan, Algeria, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Algeria. My goal is to add Zambia to this list!
This incentive is merely a stepping stone towards the right direction. I have great faith that this could not only be a great way for children to find a new creative outlet, but also create more opportunities and jobs in the near future. The introduction of Skateboarding within the 2020 Olympics is also well worth mentioning. Hopefully this emphatic addition to the Olympics list of disciplines helps people understand the importance of Skateboarding.
You can find updates via Facebook, Instagram & Twitter through my online platform 'Lyozi Skateboarding' below. Please share if you would like to help and feel free to donate. I am also collecting skate hardware , clothing and accessories locally within the North West region of the United Kingdom.
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Kingsley
#zambianskateboarding
Since a trip to my fathers native country almost a decade ago, I have been trying to figure out a way in which I could help my family and also the people in need over there. After a recently rekindled love for skateboarding and a little investigation into the skateboard scene over in Zambia, I was amazed as to what I found!
Skateboarding in Zambia
I started my online research in my fathers home village of Mongu based in the Western Province of Zambia. Poverty here is at an all time high, with up to 70% of its inhabitants living on less than 1 dollar a day. Yet despite its economic and social battles, there has been a recent movement of young children within Mongu paving the way for a new generation of skaters. This is being led by a young gentleman and new friend of mine Johnny K Kalenga! He has selflessly taken it upon himself to provide free skateboarding tuition to those wanting to learn through his own program 'WeSkate Mongu'. The children have used their own initiative to create skateboards from planks of wood, suitcase wheels and other various items. Unfortunately the conditions they skate in are far too dangerous, even for an experienced skateboarder. Flat ground is not too common within any part of Zambia. Busy main roads have become a common place for children to practise, which is not ideal.
I then took my research to the countries Capital city of Lusaka. This is where I found a whole generation of skaters paving the way for a promising skateboard scene in Zambia! Roughly 50+ skaters are based in this region skating only 1 or 2 locations in the whole of the city. Facilities are scarce and the only skatepark available has become so expensive to use that it is closing down later this year. I am in contact with these Skaters daily urging them to maintain their online presence. As motivated as they are, I understand that the pressures of becoming a young adult often result in a decline of interest for skateboarding, especially when there is little to no support being provided.
The mission
I aim to take a trip later on this year to both Mongu & Lusaka with my sister in the hope of acquiring some land to help begin the process of building their first free of charge Skateboard park in both regions. I am also in contact with a number of governing officials & school teachers to help try and create a self sustaining academy providing Skateboarding tuition for both children and adults. Drink, Drug abuse and sex crimes are a huge issue within the more rural areas of Africa due to the lack of recreational activities. There are endless reasons as to why skateparks are so valuable to communities. Some of the notable reasons include;
● A gathering place to help build social skills
● Help promote a more healthy and active lifestyle
● A reduction of criminal behaviour
● A safe place for young boys & girls within vulnerable communities to come together
I have already been in contact with numerous organisations including Skateistan, Make Life Skate Life, Wonders around the World.org, San Skate & Skate Aid. All have offered incredible advice on where to start and what to expect with such a huge project.
How can you help?
A project as big as this comes with its obstacles... Skateboarding to many people around the world is seen nothing more than a dangerous hobby, usually taken up by male delinquents within their teens. Changing this mindset within Zambia is going to be my first hurdle. For that reason I intend to gradually implement an understanding of what positive changes a skatepark could provide before recklessly throwing a skatepark into the community. The financial aspect is something which I am learning more and more about each day. The average cost of a skatepark in America is $45 per square foot. A reasonably sized skatepark which would allow roughly 20 simultaneous users usually sits at about 4,000-5000 square foot. This calculation implies creating something of this size would equate to $180,000-$225,000. I would of suspected costs to be much cheaper in Zambia but after speaking to the owner of the skatepark based in Lusaka which is closing this year, he informed me his project cost $110,000. I am under no illusion of creating a skatepark worthy of featuring within Tony Hawks Pro Skater, but I aim to build a great foundation for future prospects and ventures to get involved.
I am currently speaking to multiple charitable skatepark developers and construction teams who have already stated they are keen to get involved once a location has been attained to build on. Once the land has been occupied and cleared to be used by the local council, I will be using the funds raised to pay for the work to be completed by the appointed firm. I aim for the construction of said parks to begin in 2020. I will heading to Zambia myself in order to work on the skateparks, along with volunteers to help out alongside the dedicated construction team. A design for a skatepark within Mongu is currently being designed by Deep End Skateparks which will also be covered by the funds raised.
Funds provided will go towards the following;
● The cost of commercial land
● Paying for the design of a skatepark
● Funding of materials and heavy duty equipment
● Labour costs, flights & accommodation of construction workers & volunteers.
● Skateboards, safety equipment & skate hardware to be shipped from the UK to Zambia
● Providing training to locals to become youth leaders
The skateboard scene has been given a new lease of life throughout Africa over the last few years as multiple organisations have helped develop skateparks & provide incentives within Angola, Kenya, South Africa, Nairobi, Sudan, Algeria, Mozambique, Rwanda, Uganda, Tanzania, Algeria. My goal is to add Zambia to this list!
This incentive is merely a stepping stone towards the right direction. I have great faith that this could not only be a great way for children to find a new creative outlet, but also create more opportunities and jobs in the near future. The introduction of Skateboarding within the 2020 Olympics is also well worth mentioning. Hopefully this emphatic addition to the Olympics list of disciplines helps people understand the importance of Skateboarding.
You can find updates via Facebook, Instagram & Twitter through my online platform 'Lyozi Skateboarding' below. Please share if you would like to help and feel free to donate. I am also collecting skate hardware , clothing and accessories locally within the North West region of the United Kingdom.
Kingsley
#zambianskateboarding
Organizer
Kingsley Ngenda
Organizer