Non-formal education: Youth Jump Rope

My organization has all types of activities to help children as part of our non-formal education program. Every third Saturday of the month we have a showcase called "Night of the Artist" where children have an opportunity to perform various dramas, sports, and other types of art.

However, once in a while we get a showcase after our morning meetings. Every Tuesday and Friday we have a full staff "catch up" where we all share our plans for the week. This week we were lucky enough to have a performance from the jump rope team. Apparently one of these kids was so good that he has traveled to America twice for jump rope competitions and the team is currently training for an event in Kenya. I can only describe it as jump rope that I've never even imagined possible. Apologies for the low quality video but figured it's one of those times where even the most detailed written description would not suffice.

Double dutch switcharoo. 

Jumping rope inside the double dutch?

Freestyle number one. 

Freestyle number two. I know the rope is hard to see but this should still blow your mind. Ninja rope?

The most hilarious part came after the performance when one of our members of staff on the janitorial team suggested to the boys that they should be actively performing at different events and that they "could make a lot of money". Obviously young men are attracted to the idea of making money but our program has been working with them to reintegrate them into school and home, which is the primary focus (we are not a jump rope academy). 

Our children's programs coordinator quickly jumped in and gave a somewhat awkward monologue, more so addressing our staff member than the boys. She spoke about how the boys were living and working on the street and since they started here they have all re-enrolled in school and have regular attendance and good grades. She rightfully stated that you can't jump rope forever and although it can open some doors, it's better to focus on your schoolwork first. 

I've heard this similar speech given to at-risk youths in America regarding basketball or football, though I'd never thought I'd be hearing it in relation to jump rope!