Funpot
Funpot is a Malindi-based Community-Based Organization (CBO) that empowers young people and teenagers through skateboarding, fostering personal growth, leadership, and creativity. Beyond the sport, we focus on skills development, environmental conservation, and uniting the community through positive engagement. By harnessing the power of skateboard
About us
Funpot is a vibrant Community-Based Organization (CBO) located in the coastal town of Malindi, Kenya, dedicated to transforming the lives of young people and teenagers through the dynamic sport of skateboarding.
At Funpot, we believe skateboarding is more than just a sport—it’s a gateway to personal growth, empowerment, and community building. Our mission goes beyond the thrill of the ride. We are committed to:
- Youth Empowerment & Skills Development: We provide a safe and inclusive space for young individuals to build confidence, unlock their potential, and learn essential life skills that foster leadership, discipline, and creativity.
- Environmental Conservation: Recognizing the importance of a healthy environment, we actively engage our members in eco-friendly initiatives, promoting sustainability and encouraging young people to care for the spaces where they live and play.
- Community Engagement: We aim to unite the youth, families, and the wider community by creating opportunities for collaboration, shared learning, and positive social interactions.
Initiative
Community Health Outreach
Community Health Outreach” provides free medical services, health education, and workshops to underserved communities, improving health outcomes, promoting prevention, and empowering families.
Challenges
- Limited funding and resources can make it difficult to secure skateboarding equipment, safety gear, and sustain competitions or environmental initiatives.
- Inadequate infrastructure, such as a lack of proper skate parks or training facilities, may hinder program growth and participation.
- Community perception of skateboarding as a non-traditional sport may result in resistance or limited acceptance.
- Sustainability of programs can be a challenge without long-term partnerships and consistent financial support.
- Environmental challenges, such as insufficient waste management systems, can limit the impact of clean-up initiatives.
- Lack of skilled trainers to mentor participants and ensure safety while promoting professional skill development.
- Youth retention can become difficult as participants grow older and prioritize other responsibilities.
- Navigating local regulations, permits, and policies for organizing public events or environmental programs may cause delays.
- Ensuring participant safety, especially in areas without designated skateboarding spaces, can be challenging.
- The environmental impact of replacing worn-out skateboards and safety gear may create additional waste without proper recycling solutions.
Achievements
- Empowered over 500 youth by introducing skateboarding as a tool for fitness, self-confidence, and positive engagement, transforming their outlook on sports and life.
- Trained more than 300 young participants in essential skateboarding skills, emphasizing safety, sportsmanship, and discipline on and off the board.
- Organized 15+ skating competitions and workshops, providing a platform for local talent to shine, fostering skill development, and nurturing the next generation of athletes.
- Introduced skateboarding in 10 local schools as an extracurricular activity, encouraging over 1,000 students to stay active, healthy, and motivated.
- Promoted environmental conservation through impactful initiatives such as community clean-up drives and a plastic bag deposit return system, which has helped collect and recycle over 2,000 plastic bags, significantly reducing pollution in Malindi.