Pilot Project Launched
Posted by admin | Filed under Announcements, Columbia, Projects
In the Spring of 2010, Boarders without Borders will be building a 4′ high, 25′ wide concrete half pipe in Pradera, Colombia. BWB will also be hosting an instructional skate camp for 20 of the local youth and donating skateboarding equipment to each of the kids. The little town of Pradera was chosen because of BWB Director Steve Foord’s close ties to the community and because of the towns dire need for a youth oriented positive experience. Pradera is a small town of about 500 people that lies 16 km from San Augustin, Columbia’s archaeological capital. Its residents survive primarily on subsistence living, their main crops being sugar cane, coffee and lulu cultivations. The town is home to a septic field, has neither a garbage nor a recycling facility, and there is only one school. Alcoholism, drug use, violence, and poverty are rampant. Opportunity is limited, and the children have little or no avenues for positive self expression. As a film maker, Andrew Marchand Boddy and a small film crew have committed to documenting this Pilot Project both as a documentary film and as a first hand evaluation method of the project.
BWB isn’t simply building a ramp and teaching kids how to skate. We are helping to build the capacity of the youth in Pradera, Colombia. We are empowering them with the self esteem, self expression, and determination that comes with the joy of skateboarding.
Boarders Without Borders is committed to spreading the joy of skateboarding and motivating youth by providing positive avenues of self expression.