All children have the right to play; yet opportunities for sports and recreation can be rare for children and youth in post-conflict Timor-Leste. With your support, between 30 and 50 at-risk children and youths can participate in extreme sports workshops, increasing their confidence and resilience while building stronger social relations.
With roughly three-quarters of Timor-Leste's population aged 25 years and under, Timorese youth face a number of multi-faceted issues. After decades of conflict, many still grapple with the trauma of violence in their streets and homes. Youth unemployment is extremely high, up to 40% in urban areas, which in turn has led to high levels of youth involvement in gang activity. Youth involvement in gangs and martial arts groups has been a key factor in the outbreaks of violence since Independence.
With your support, this project will provide children and youth with equipment and safety gear to participate in extreme sports workshops at Ba Futuru's skatepark. Extreme Leste's experienced instructors will facilitate the workshops, building towards a competition in May 2015. The program will be open to boys and girls of all abilities, and will specifically target children and youth from low-income families. Channel your donation into visible outcomes - get skateboards into kids' hands!
Channelling the energy and passion of Timorese youth into constructive activities is a crucial step towards building lasting peace in Timor-Leste. Extreme sports workshops will provide a safe and supportive environment for youth to learn through play and sport. 30-50 program participants will benefit from increased self-confidence, resilience and stronger social relations. Engaged, empowered youths are less likely to be involved in gang activity, benefitting the community as a whole.
