Skatpark Kigali, Rwanda

Skatepark in the SOS Children's Village Kigali, Rwanda



With the construction of a multifunctional skate park on the grounds of the SOS Children's Village Kigali, a place was created for the children and young people of the capital where they have the opportunity to spend their free time in a protected environment in a meaningful way.



The skate park, which was officially opened in April 2016, is primarily used by children from the adjacent elementary school of the SOS Children's Village. The school teaches 650 pupils. 75 girls and boys from the Children's Village and the neighborhood attend the SOS Kindergarten. However, children and young people who have no connection to the SOS Children's Village can also use the multifunctional skate park in their free time. The boys and girls are introduced to skateboarding by a skate-aid volunteer and can regularly take part in skateboard training. skate-aid also provides the necessary skate equipment, such as skateboards, protective equipment, helmets and hardware, which the children can borrow on site.



The skate park has created a meeting place for children and young people who want to have fun together and learn from each other. Origin, religion or skin color no longer play a role. What counts is their own motivation to surpass themselves in sport, the cohesion within the group and their enthusiasm for skateboarding.



Through skating, children and young people develop a whole new level of self-confidence, community awareness, personal responsibility and determination - all qualities that allow them to face the future strong and independent.