Skateboarding for Healing and Hope: How the South Sudan Skate Federation is Changing Lives

Amidst the challenges facing South Sudan, one man is using a skateboard to bring healing, community, and faith to the next generation. Titus Dominic, a former refugee, returned to South Sudan in 2020 with a vision: to create a space where youth could find hope, belonging, and personal growth through skateboarding. Now, through the South Sudan Skate Federation (SSSF) and the Skate to Recover program, that vision is becoming a reality.

Titus Dominic: A Refugee’s Journey to Creating Change

Born in South Sudan, Titus Dominic fled to Uganda as a child, living as a refugee in search of stability and opportunity. It was in Uganda that he discovered skateboarding—a sport that became more than just recreation. For Titus, skateboarding provided a sense of identity, confidence, and purpose.

Determined to share this gift with others, he returned to Juba in 2020, bringing skateboards and a dream. Since then, he has grown SSSF from the ground up, proving that one person with a vision can transform an entire community.

The Current Situation in Juba

Since South Sudan’s independence in 2011, the country has faced political instability, economic hardship, and limited infrastructure, with Juba as a focal point of these struggles. Many young people in the city grow up in an environment where violence, displacement, and a lack of recreational opportunities define daily life. Without safe spaces to play and connect, youth are often left vulnerable to negative influences.

This is where the South Sudan Skate Federation (SSSF) steps in. Recognized by World Skate and supported by international organizations, SSSF is building a skateboarding movement in Juba. More than just a sport, skateboarding is providing an alternative to conflict-driven play, replacing sticks used as toy guns with boards that inspire creativity, self-expression, and resilience.

Skate to Recover: A Program for Ministry and Trauma Healing

At the heart of SSSF’s impact is Skate to Recover, a faith-based initiative combining skateboarding with trauma healing and Christian ministry. Meeting three times a week, young skaters gather not only to improve their skills but also to learn about the love of God and the power of hope.

The program actively challenges gender and social norms, welcoming both boys and girls to participate and empowering them through community, mentorship, and faith. This approach has been making waves since 2021, proving that extreme sports can be a transformative force in post-conflict societies like South Sudan.

The Power of Skateboarding for Trauma Healing

Skateboarding has been proven to be a powerful tool for helping youth process trauma and build resilience. Here’s how it’s making an impact in Juba:

Encourages Focus and Discipline: Mastering tricks requires patience and perseverance, teaching youth to work through frustration and setbacks.
Builds Confidence and Identity: Landing a trick instills self-belief, shifting focus from past pain to present achievements.
Creates a Safe Community: Skateboarding fosters inclusivity, breaking tribal and social barriers to unite youth through shared passion.
Promotes Physical and Mental Health: Exercise releases endorphins, reducing stress and anxiety in youth dealing with trauma.

End of Year Skate Camp: A Celebration of Growth and Community

In December 2024, Skate to Recover held its first-ever end-of-year skate camp, a milestone made possible by generous supporters. Youth participants experienced a day of joy and restoration at a local hotel, complete with swimming, good food, and meaningful conversations about God’s love. The event was a testament to what skateboarding, ministry, and generosity can achieve together.

To all who contributed: thank you! Your support directly impacted young lives, providing them with a moment of peace, fun, and encouragement in an environment that rarely offers such experiences.

A Major Step Forward: Grant from Samaritan’s Purse South Sudan

As a recognition of the program’s impact, Samaritan’s Purse South Sudan has awarded a $14,400 grant to Skate to Recover for 2025. This funding will go toward expanding programming, purchasing much-needed skateboarding equipment, and furthering trauma healing initiatives. This partnership marks an exciting chapter for the program, enabling it to reach more youth in meaningful ways.

The Future: A Skatepark for Juba

While SSSF has made incredible strides, one major hurdle remains: the need for a permanent skatepark. Currently, youth skate in open streets, facing hazards that limit their ability to practice and grow in a safe environment. A dedicated skatepark would not only provide a secure space for training but also serve as a community hub where healing, mentorship, and sports development can thrive.

The estimated cost for purchasing land and constructing a medium-sized concrete skatepark is around $115,000 USD. As we step into 2025, SSSF is launching a fundraising campaign to acquire land for this much-needed facility. Stay tuned for more details on how you can support this historic effort!

Let Known: Highlighting Creatives Who Drive Social Change

At Let Known, we believe in the power of creativity to change the world. Titus is not just a skater—he is a creative visionary, using his passion to reshape South Sudan’s youth culture. By showcasing leaders like him, Let Known amplifies stories that inspire action and support for grassroots movements.

We are proud to spotlight Titus and SSSF as they continue to use skateboarding for good. Through storytelling and connection, Let Known serves as a bridge between creatives and the communities that uplift them.

Join the Movement

As we prepare for the next chapter of skateboarding in South Sudan, we invite you to be part of this growing movement:

✅ Donate to support the upcoming land purchase fundraiser.

✅ Follow & Share SSSF’s journey to help spread the word.

✅ Encourage a Young Creative to use their gifts for impact.

Skateboarding is more than a sport—it’s a revolution of hope. Let’s build the future of South Sudan, one skateboard at a time.

For more information, follow South Sudan Skateboard Society on Instagram reach out at: ssskatefederation@gmail.com

UPDATE: South Sudan Skateboarding