Two North East charities have joined forces to offer Aberdeen school pupils the chance to learn about African heritage and cultural diversity.
Children’s charity Lifestars partnered with The Africulture Network in the initiative at Hanover Street Primary School, which saw groups of 25 children entertained with stories of a West African legend from the ancient Benin Kingdom and tales of the vibrant culture of the African continent.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
Why? Free to subscribe, no paywall, daily business news digest.
The Africulture Network team, including Cynthia Uzowulu, Ebere O Martins and Gloria Ijeoma Adebo, were dressed in traditional African attire and brought with them artefacts and other cultural items to engage with the children and help illustrate their stories.
Founded in 2018, Lifestars helps youngsters build confidence through active learning to foster qualities such as leadership, teamwork, trust and communication. By organising sports and sensory sessions, to funding school trips and running career fairs, the charity gives young people the chance to take part in a varied programme of extra-curricular activities. As well as Hanover St Primary, schools benefiting so far include Dyce Academy, Bridge of Don Academy, Mintlaw Academy, Mile End Primary, and Kaimhill Primary.
As part of its mission to incorporate active learning for school pupils, Lifestars organises a programme of weekly sessions at Hanover St Primary whereby local businesses and organisations volunteer one hour to spend with the children on activities from games and sports to arts and crafts sessions.
Last week’s session at Hanover St saw The Africulture Network’s Afri-Tales project brought to life at by the group of passionate professionals dedicated to showcasing African culture at its best.
The formal roll out of the Afri-Tales campaign in 2023 has seen more than 10 school libraries across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire receive books written by award-winning Nigerian-Canadian author Ekiuwa Aire. Representatives from The Africulture Network now regularly visit schools across the North East to read books in a series of planned visits to promote African culture and heritage highlighting strengths and common values between communities.
Gloria Adebo explained: “Our aim is to educate schoolchildren and the wider community across the North East about everyday life in Africa; living and schooling historically to the present day.”
“We want to celebrate and acknowledge the rich and diverse culture we have in Africa and to shine a light on a different world so that children in Aberdeen can hear about Africa from Africans themselves including the traditions, music, food and history.”
One in four people in Aberdeen were born outside of Scotland, highlighting the region’s global diversity.
Lifestars founder Neve McPherson commented: “It’s been wonderful for the children at Hanover St to see the cross-cultural connection between Africa and Scotland and we are grateful to The Africulture Network for their support that aligns with our mission to enhance the lives of children across the North East through unique learning experiences.”
For more information on The Africulture Network visit www.africulture.org.uk
For more information on Lifestars visit www.lifestarsscio.com
