InSpire Youth Club

Transforming a community youth centre in South London

Critically acclaimed Singer-songwriter Joy Crookes will be leading a community-driven initiative at InSpire Youth Club, based in St Peter’s Church, not far from her home in Elephant and Castle. Joy grew up in this area and remains firmly rooted in her local community and passionate about equipping future generations with the confidence and guidance they need to succeed. We will work with Joy to overhaul the existing garden, making it a usable space to host outdoor workshops focusing on employment pathways and nature, leaving a lasting legacy in her community for years to come.

Kabela project

Promoting cultural exchange between Paris & Congo Kids through Afro dance.

Jeny Bsg is a professional dancer and choreographer. She’s also the founder of the Brussels-based Afro dance school "Afro House Belgium" and works with the charity "Dance4Kids" in Portugal and Congo. Staying close to her Congolese roots, she encourages young people to believe in their dreams -whatever their origins or social background. With Timberland, she supports the Kabela project , promoting cultural exchange between Paris and Congo Kids and the importance of nature through dance. She partners with Le Loft Dance, located in the Parisian suburb, it offers hip hop and afro dance classes and workshops to the local community. “Dancing will always enable us to express ourselves” she states. At the beginning of the year, students will be given a plant that they will take care of, teaching them to value nature. They will also connect with their peers from Congo through writing. As part of this process, they will nurture their passion for dancing as well as for their environment. At the end of the year, there will be the opportunity for some of the young people to travel to Congo and close the loop on this immersive experience.

The Corner Youth Club

Inspiring and uniting young people through music and urban greening in Berlin

Aisha Vibes is an artist and presenter, releasing her first album this year. Benefiting from her Ghanaian roots, to Aisha there is nothing more beautiful than seeing people dancing, singing and laughing. Knowing the positive and uniting impact music can have especially on young people and Aisha being involved in community work in Frankfurt for many years, she now wants to bring that important work to her new hometown Berlin. Together with Timberland, Aisha would like to create a strong bond between the teens by hosting workshops for singing, rapping, dancing and songwriting at the youth club “The Corner”. For the final show we will create an outdoor stage using natural materials as well as plants. The stage area will later be used as an outside area: the aim is to provide kids and youth an easy, varied and long-term access to nature through herb and planter boxes with integrated benches.

St. Ambroeus FC

Transforming a sports centre into a neighbourhood community hub, promoting green culture.

Antonio Dikele Distefano is an Italian writer, journalist and music-industry executive. After moving to Milan, he started Esse Magazine, one of the most important titles in the music industry. He has also published several books and recently launched a new Netflix Italian TV series inspired by his novel Non ho mai avuto la mia età. Antonio is committed to supporting St. Ambroeus FC , based at "Fair Play Arena" Centro Sportivo Cameroni, a non-profit amateur sports association in Milan made up of young people seeking asylum in Italy. The sports centre is based on strong values of community and is somewhere close to Antonio’s heart. He has played there many times over the years, the team being a close support system for him in difficult times, giving him a strong sense of belonging and community.
With Timberland, Antonio is dedicated to moving this community forward in the same way they have done for him, giving it longevity and providing somewhere for future generations to benefit from. The Sports Centre has always been a place for the community to come together however, structural degradation has been a real worry for a long time now. Antonio and Timberland will rejuvenate this special place, promoting a green culture which will involve a new eco-friendly lighting system and a green outdoor space which can be used for events and an urban garden for the neighbourhood to enjoy.