Activities

  • Cultural Celebrations

IgboAmaka Scotland takes great pride in celebrating and promoting the rich traditions of the Igbo people. Our cultural events serve as a vibrant showcase of Igbo heritage, fostering a sense of belonging and pride among members.

  • Iri Ji (New Yam Festival): One of our most anticipated events, the New Yam Festival (Iri Ji) is a grand celebration of Igbos very rich agricultural heritage. Marking the start of a new harvest season, this festival features traditional music, dance, and ceremonial rituals, reinforcing cultural identity and strengthening community ties. The event highlights Igbo arts, folklore, and history through cultural performances, interactive workshops, and community dialogues. It is an opportunity for both Igbos and the wider Scottish community to engage with Igbo culture in an inclusive and educational environment.
  • Cultural Exhibitions: From traditional crafts and cooking classes to dance and masquerade performances and storytelling sessions, IgboAmaka Scotland organises hands-on experiences that keep Igbo traditions alive for current and future generations.
  • Educational Programs

Education is at the core of IgboAmaka Scotland’s mission, with a focus on both cultural learning and academic empowerment. Our programs cater to children, youth, and adults, ensuring knowledge transmission and skill development.

  • Igbo Language Classes: To preserve and promote the Igbo language, we offer structured lessons in grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and cultural nuances. These classes are designed for all ages, ensuring that young Igbos in Scotland maintain a strong connection to their linguistic roots.
  • STEM Workshops: Recognising the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), we organise engaging workshops during school holidays to inspire children and teenagers in these critical fields.
  • Civic and Literary Education: We run educational sessions on civic responsibilities, governance, and literary appreciation. Participants explore Igbo literature and global perspectives, fostering critical thinking and informed engagement in society.
  • Bursary Program: In partnership with some universities, we are establishing a bursary scheme to support Igbo students in Scotland and the United Kingdom, particularly those facing financial hardship, reinforcing our commitment to academic success and career advancement.
  • Community Support Initiatives

True to the Igbo ethos of communalism – “onye aghala nwanne ya” (do not leave your sibling behind) – IgboAmaka Scotland remains deeply invested in the welfare of its members and other members of the community wherein we operate

  • Welfare and Support Programs: IgboAmaka Scotland provides financial and emotional support to community members experiencing hardship, including bereavement assistance, fundraising efforts, and crisis relief.
  • Intercultural Exchange and Integration: By engaging with the wider Scottish society through partnerships, dialogues, and collaborative events, IgboAmaka Scotland promotes cultural understanding, integration, and social cohesion.
  • Volunteer and Mentorship Programs: IgboAmaka Scotland encourages active community participation by recruiting volunteers and mentors who help guide younger members and newly arrived Igbos in Scotland. It is our belief that members of the society who come here would need certain assistance to settle in and contribute meaningfully to the development of our larger society.
  • Family Outings and Social Events

Beyond structured programs, IgboAmaka Scotland fosters social connections through recreational events that create lasting memories for families and friends. These activities are aimed at improving the wellbeing of our members.

  • Summer Outings and BBQs: These informal gatherings provide a relaxed atmosphere where members can bond over food, music, and games, reinforcing a sense of community and togetherness.
  • Cultural and Recreational Trips: We organise trips to historical and cultural sites, both within Scotland and beyond, offering members a chance to explore, learn, and enjoy shared experiences.
  • Festive Gatherings: Special celebrations such as Christmas parties and end-of-year get-togethers allow members to reflect on achievements, strengthen friendships, and look forward to the future.
  • Biennial Lecture Series

Every two years, IgboAmaka Scotland hosts a prestigious lecture series that delves into topics of historical, cultural, economic and contemporary relevance to the Igbo nation, the wider African diaspora and our immediate host communities.

  • Scholarly Discussions: The biennial lectures feature esteemed scholars, cultural historians, and community leaders who engage in thought-provoking discussions on Igbo history, migration, identity, and economic development.
  • Panel Debates and Community Dialogues: Attendees can participate in debates and knowledge-sharing sessions that explore the challenges and opportunities facing the Igbo people both in Scotland and globally.
  • Awards and Recognition: As part of the event, outstanding community members and contributors to Igbo heritage are recognised and celebrated, inspiring future generations to continue the legacy of excellence and leadership.