School Of African Cultures (SOAC)

Empowering Communities, Embracing Diversity

2023 - Present

The School of African Cultures (SOAC) is a youth cultural education project founded by Pachedu to help children of African heritage learn about and celebrate their cultural roots. It operates as a club or “Saturday school” where young people engage in African arts, languages, history, and traditions. The objective is to empower minority ethnic youth to navigate their mixed cultural heritage with pride and to share African cultures with the wider community. For example, children from SOAC partnered with Renfrewshire Council to create a “Museum of Me” exhibition showcasing personal heritage.

Project Details

Short Summary

School Of African Cultures (SOAC) is dedicated to nurturing pride and self-esteem among young people of Black African descent through activities that celebrate African heritage while fostering Scottish cultural integration.

Full Project Description

  • The project is about: Promoting and changing the narrative about Africa and building capacity of young people with dual identity
  • It supports: SOAC activities support young people aged 5-13 and their families,
  • It is important: Because knowing our “true” history is liberating and the beginning of success.
  • The project’s goals or vision: For the world to value Africa and African people again!
  • Key activities/services offered:
    • Weekly
      • Mondays 4-6 Homework and play Club
      • Fridays 4-6 Ubuntu Band
      • “How are you”-Wellbeing Check: telephone text/calls/home visit Check
    • Seasonal
      • Easter holiday Camp
      • Summer Holiday Camp
      • October Holiday camp
      • Promotion of Youth Volunteering through the completion of Saltire Awards
    • Bimonthly:
      • Youth Opinion Group
  • The project addresses Issues of Restitution and dual and intangible Identity
  • What is unique about this project is that it addresses the issues of restitution and intangible Identity
  • Impact we hope to achieve? All young people in touch with Soac will build up resilience, proud for their identity and aspire to achieve great in life.

Target Group / Who Can Join

  • Young People aged 5-13 with their families
  • Refugees, Migrant and Ethnic Communities
  • All communities

Activities Offered

  • Weekly
    • Mondays 4-6 Homework and play Club
    • Fridays 4-6 Ubuntu Band
    • “How are you”-Wellbeing Check: telephone text/calls/home visit Check
  • Seasonal
    • Easter holiday Camp
    • Summer Holiday Camp
    • October Holiday camp
    • Promotion of Youth Volunteering through the completion of Saltire Awards
  • Bimonthly:
    • Youth Opinion Group

Project Lead and Contact Details

Project Lead: Regine Bews
Email: regine.bews@pachedu.org

Team Members

  • Ruth Ejobo
  • Kate Ebuoh
  • Judith Okoson Ayemere

Success Stories/Impact

SOAC started with 8 young people in 2019, today, an average of:

  • 17 young people attend weekly the Online workshops,
  • 10 young people attend weekly the Ubuntu band,
  • 40 young people attend our holiday camp
  • 15 young people aged 12+ volunteer during camps
  • 10 adults volunteer during camps
  • 11 wellbeing calls/text/home visit

Useful Links

Facebook: schoolofafricancultures

Quotes

“…It is about Identity. School of African cultures (SOAC) gives them opportunities to connect with people of same identity. It keeps them grounded in their culture and balanced” – a mother
“…My daughter enjoys mixing with people of other ethnicities. She learns different things about other cultures, which give her a good insight into life.”…a mother