South Sudan

About Juba, South Sudan

South Sudan is one of the world’s youngest nations, with the capital city of Juba being located on two converging rivers, it manages much of the nation’s supply chain. 76% of South Sudanese live below the poverty line and face severe food insecurity through ongoing famine. Much of the young population has endured decades of civil conflict and lives with uncertain futures as the country struggles with extreme poverty and instability both politically and economically. With over 60% of South Sudan’s population under 25, the need for positive, youth-focused initiatives has never been greater.

Our Youth Centered Skate Park Project

As part of Open Road’s committment to gather meaningful community and support the opportunity for the most marginalized to live dignified lives we are supporting and upifting a Christ centered skate project for the youth of South Sudan. Through partnership we are fundraising for and developing a skate park designed to provide community and trauma support to local youth who have endured years of conflict and unrest. This park will serve as a stable and life giving space for these youth.

  • At Open Road Global we believe in projects being locally led and sustained. Tito is our local partner and the visionary behind this project.

    Titus Dominic (Tito), a South Sudanese native, fled with his family to Uganda during the civil war and discovered skateboarding’s transformative power. He returned to Juba at the end of 2020, with one skateboard and a dream to share skateboarding with the youth of his nation. Tito was connected through a friend who worked for Samaritan's Purse in South Sudan and it was through this connection that he was connected with Gabriel Richardson in 2021. Gabriel and some co-workers at Samaritan's Purse started supporting Tito through small fundraisers and bringing in skate equipment from the USA. Tito, with the new equipment and support, started a program called "Skate to Recover" where three times a week he would skate with young boys and girls and lead small group discussions with a focus on trauma healing and ministry through bible study. Since 2021, Tito has introduced skateboarding to Juba’s streets, offering kids a rare chance to play, create, and connect. In 2023 the South Sudan Skate Federation (SSSF) was founded to officially solidify Skateboardings presence in South Sudan with the local government, the South Sudan National Olympic Committee, and with World Skate. Through the “Skate to Recover” program, SSSF blends skateboarding with trauma healing and faith-based ministry, meeting three times weekly to nurture skills, resilience, and belonging for boys and girls alike.

Empowering Youth and Fulfilling This Dream

Open Road Global is dedicated to making a sustainable difference in South Sudan and we believe deeply in the vision and project that Tito has begun. It is our dream to support him in bringing it to completion. This is what we need in order to complete the project.

With $100,000, we’ll secure land and build a permanent skatepark—a safe environment for youth in a city with few recreational spaces. This 40m x 40m hub will host free skate clinics, life-skills workshops, and community events, fostering discipline, teamwork, and cultural exchange. In a country where over 60% of people are under 25, this skatepark will be a beacon of possibility.

Partnered with Open Road Global, a trusted nonprofit amplifying grassroots change, every dollar you give brings us closer to breaking ground. Your support will empower Juba’s youth to skate toward a brighter future. Donate now and help us build more than a park—help us build a legacy of hope.

How Your Donation Will Be Spent

Here’s how we’ll transform $100,000 into a lasting impact:

  • Land Acquisition: $50,000
    Purchasing a 40m x 40m (1,600 sqm) plot in Juba, including legal fees, surveys, and registration—ensuring a central, accessible location for all.

  • DIY Skatepark Construction: $30,000
    Constructing a durable skatepark with ramps, rails, and a concrete surface tailored to local skaters’ needs. Costs include materials, labor, and collaboration with DIY skatepark experts for safety and quality.

  • Site Preparation and Basics: $10,000
    Clearing the land, adding drainage for rainy seasons, and installing fencing and benches to create a welcoming, secure space.

  • Programs and Launch: $3,000
    Kicking off with free skate workshops, donated gear (boards, helmets), and “Skate to Recover” sessions to maximize community impact from day one.

  • Admin, Media, and Fundraising Support: $7,000
    Covering fees and promotion to ensure transparency and efficiency, with Open Road Global overseeing every step.

This Fundraiser will go through the year 2025 in hopes of achieving these goals within 2026! If $100,000 is not raised by 2026, we have faith that God can use any amount given to this cause in a way to serve this initiative, whether that means the purchase of a smaller piece of land or merely sustaining the skate programs currently happening. 100% of all money donated goes directly to this initiative.

For more information, click the links below:

  1. Photos of SSSF by Gabriel Richardson: https://letknown.org/sssf1

  2. Blog Post #1 by Gabriel Richardson: https://letknown.org/blog/blog-post-sss

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