Maxaquene, Mozambique

Where   Maputo, Mozambique When    November 2019   Who       Skate World Better), Mozambique Skateboard Association, SOS Mozambique

In November 2019 we constructed the first two skateparks of Mozambique. Maxaquene is a district located downtown in the capital Maputo. The construction of the all-inclusive skatepark was made possible thanks to our partners Skate World Better, SOS Mozambique and most importantly Mozambique’s Skateboard Association (ASM) and the amazing locals who got involved throughout the process.

With a young demographic, the area is home to a vast amount of at-risk children. Maputo is responsible for 75% of the criminal cases registered in Mozambique. Community spaces with a focus on the youth that allow active use and social opportunities are not well represented throughout the country.

Mozambique is ranked as the second poorest country in the world, therefore, labored with numerous economic difficulties.  Not a country whose government would or can focus on building skateparks. Despite these hardships, there are two established skate organizations that were instrumental in offering their help during the build, and since, ASM is one of those two.

ASM now independently and successfully manage the facility, offering the perfect outcome and defining the statement ‘It’s their park’.  A free skateboard loaner program have been installed in the skateparks and volunteer-led skate programs are being held on a daily basis, ensuring a large number of users with free, safe, and equal access to use their skateparks. Mozambique is now home to a rapidly growing skate-scene and we hope the parks will serve, as some of the first in a wave of skateparks throughout the country and the continent, Africa. We look forward to partnering up with these local communities to work in collaboration on their projects.

Read more on foreverplayground.org

“My life changed when the skatepark was built in Maxaquene. It’s nice for all the children, because the streets are not always safe for us. Now we have a safe place we can go to and play every day.”

Pedro, 8 year old skateboarder

photo credit Martin Louzecky