San Skate - Skate and Youth Center in San Luis, DR

A lot has happened in our skateboard project SAN SKATE these last months, and all this could only be realized because you supported our project <3 We are very grateful and in return we would like to keep you informed about our project. 

In February, together with five volunteers, we were able to build the first part of our skate park and now give skateboard lessons free of charge to children between the ages of 5 and 18, 3 times a week. The park is open to the public, but we are currently fencing in the park to provide more security and to keep the grounds clean.

By the end of the year, we plan to expand the park with two more skatepark elements, a "street" park and a bowl. In addition, we will have a container on the property after the summer holidays to store our skateboarding equipment safely on site.

This container should not only be used as a warehouse but rather also form our project clubhouse. Children and young people can find a contact point and in the afternoon can participate in various creative workshops, English lessons through volunteers or homework help.

In our "Back 2 School" program, children and young people receive an educational lesson before skateboard lessons (example: 1 hour of school - 1 hour of skating). This program takes place in the morning and is made for children like "Limpia Botas" - shoeshineers, children of Haitian decent without documents and generally children who are falling out of the school system due to various criteria such as over age. The skateboard lessons motivate the kids to attend regularly and in small groups these children can be alphabetized and in best case be re-integrated into a public school to catch up.

Since the beginning of our project SAN SKATE we work with the concept of a so called, "Junior Coach" training. This means that adolescents over the age of 15 receive special support from us by taking them to skateboarding competitions in the city, extra teaching at the Tropical Skate School in Santo Domingo and, in principle, transferring these responsibilities to young people in the project. In return, they help us with the afternoon activities, teach younger children and take care of the skateboard rental.

Young people who visit our center, whether for skating or to participate in one of our workshops have to join us with a  membership. The membership is free but we require a signature of a parent or guardian. In return, the youngsters receive a membership card and can take advantage of all the activities in our youth center.

For the conversion of the container (windows, door, etc.) and the establishment of our official youth club we are still looking for donations. We will need tables, chairs, shelves and lockable storage cabinets. A cozy sofa corner for a "chill out area" and a football table should offer a safe and comfortable place to visit. Furthermore, we would like to create a small garden to grow together with the kids vegetables and fruits.

Thanks so much for your donation, your trust and interest in our skateboarding project SAN SKATE!

We are sending hugs, kisses and a lot of sunshine from the Dominician Republic.

HASTA PRONTO,

Isabell