A new storytelling initiative is aiming to celebrate African culture in north east schools.
The recently launched Afri-Tales Project says it hopes by educating primary school children about African heritage, it can help break down barriers and strengthen cultural bonds.
It was set up by Gloria Adebo as part of the Africulture Network, which is a group of parents in Aberdeen who want to strengthen the bonds between Scotland and Africa through storytelling.
She told STV News: “We thought as parents, ‘you know what, we can represent Africa in a better way, show the strengths we have and connect that with the strengths of the Scottish society.’ Because that’s why we have come here and it’s become home for us.
“So, the idea is highlighting ‘what about Africa’, the common lines and helping our children to know who they really are and find the similarity in this new place we call home .
STV News“It not only introduces young readers to engaging stories but also serves as a window into the rich cultural tapestry of Africa.”
Eugene Izuka Ogosi added: “When we go into schools you see how excited the children are when we read them the story about the African queen Idia.
“They want to hear the stories, they ask questions, they are engaging. It’s beautiful to see kids learning through storytelling.”
Afri-Tales says it’s looking for more volunteers to help its campaign meet a growing demand from schools.
“It’s also helping that togetherness in the community,” Gloria said. “If someone is different from you or new to you and you don’t understand, you maybe want to stand aside and watch or avoid, but when you understand you see the beauty.
“Also we can present ourselves that we are proud of who we are, it brings us together.”
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