What we do

Since 2008, Afreshe has delivered a range of projects. Each one focuses on an aspect of heritage to help African children, young people and adults in Scotland build esteem in their identity, integrate into their communities and unlock their full potential.  

Our Upcoming Events

Coming soon!

Our Current Activities 

Back2Basics Club

Participants in the Back2Basics Club activities share an abundance of nostalgic folk tales, rhymes and rhythms. Families are the central focus of these free flow weekly sessions, with parents encouraged to join and help their children learn key phrases in their African languages. 

Currently, all sessions take place online via Zoom where fun can be had in the safety and convenience of home. 

If you would like to lead a Back2Basics club which teaches an African Language not already catered for by Afreshe, please get in touch!

Our Previous Events 

The Spark! Career Stepping Stones - March 2021

The Spark! is an Afreshe programme designed to help African families, including children, young people and adults to inspire and be inspired through engaging interactions on topical matters. Career Stepping Stones events within The Spark! programme contribute to the fostering of a more connected and integrated African Community that inspires, supports and encourages each other to become better contributors to society. The purpose of the events is to create opportunities for children to listen to a range of role models currently studying or working in different industries. Our next event will be in May 2021 so keep an eye out for updates!

In March, we had two fantastic young people sharing their journeys. Rutendo is currently studying for a MSc in Research Methods in Psychology and Patrick holds a
degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering and in recent times has been contributing to the Banking & Finance sector as a Financial Crime Analyst.

If you would like to share feedback from attending this event or are interested in being a guest speaker, get in touch via email: afreshe@afreshe.com

Guest Speakers March 2021

Rutendo Mhonda

Rutendo Mhonda is a BSc (Hons) Psychology and Counselling graduate and an aspiring Clinical Psychologist, currently completing her MSc in Research Methods in Psychology at the University of St Andrews. Originally from Harare, Zimbabwe, Rutendo has lived in Scotland since 2003. In 2020, Rutendo founded So We Glow, a campaign raising awareness of mental health in the Black community which you can connect with using the details below:


Email: info@soweglow.com
Facebook: So We Glow
Instagram: @so.we.glow
Twitter: @soweglow

Patrick Ogah

Patrick Ogah is originally from Nigeria and is currently based in Glasgow. He is the first of six siblings and holds a degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering.

He has worked as a Telecommunications Engineer, an Oil & Gas design Engineer, and in recent times has been contributing to the Banking & Finance sector to help fight crime as a Financial Crime Analyst.

He is passionate about inspiring kids and youth to reach their potential.

The Spark! Career Stepping Stones - January 2021

The Spark! is an Afreshe programme designed to help African families, including children, young people and adults to inspire and be inspired through engaging interactions on topical matters. Career Stepping Stones events within The Spark! programme contribute to the fostering of a more connected and integrated African Community that inspires, supports and encourages each other to become better contributors to society. The purpose of the events is to create opportunities for children to listen to a range of role models currently studying or working in different industries. 

In January, hosted we had three fantastic young people sharing their journeys. Etienne is  film director and writer, Blaise a first-year student of Computer Game Applications Development and Pauline  is a fully qualified social worker. 

If you would like to share feedback from attending this event or are interested in being a guest speaker, get in touch via email: afreshe@afreshe.com

Guest Speakers January 2021

Etienne Kubwabo

Etienne  is a film director and writer. 

He has directed over 250 music videos, 3 documentaries and 1 feature film!

Blaise Jjuuko

Blaise is a First-year student of Computer Game Applications Development  at Abertay University. He learned to play the Fiddle at Glasgow East Musicworks, a traditional music Project of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, achieving the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade 1 with Merit. Blaise has a great passion for football; he was 2018/19 Top Goal Scorer for East Dunbartonshire 2002 Football Club and got selected as Man of the Match at the 2019/20 League Cup Final.

Pauline Kankolongo

Pauline is a fully qualified social worker living in Glasgow, Scotland. She is also a business woman and is involved with several projects that have families at their heart including the position of Family Hub Worker at Agape Wellbeing.

Afreshe Fitness Sessions for Children 

Did you know 5 - 18-year-olds should do 60 minutes of exercise per day?

With the help of Coach Sharon, child(ren) from across the UK can hit this target. Even better, these group fitness sessions are online so exercise can be done in the comfort and safety of home, all while having fun with others for FREE!

We welcome children from families of all backgrounds and statuses!

Check out our Facebook page to get the link for our next session on Saturday. Alternatively, get in touch with us via email to book your space and receive a link.

Afreshe Adult  Fitness Sessions 

Get fit for you with Coach Sharon!

These FREE Scottish Refuge Council funded group fitness sessions provide a supportive environment for adults of *all* backgrounds and statuses to benefit from instructor led physical activity.

Coach Sharon will help you have fun and connect with others all while training for strength and weight loss with beginner to intermediate exercises.

Check out our Facebook page to get the link for our next session on Saturday. Alternatively, get in touch with us via email to book your space and receive a link.


Christmas Party - December 2020

After a year of so much change, Afreshe was eager to gather virtually to celebrate the 2020 festive season. Our Christmas Party was much loved and got everyone up on their feet. Musical statues, TikTok challenges, Pictionary and a Christmas quiz produced smiles all round. 

This year, the children's Heritage Awards will be posted directly to their homes. 

Christmas Card Craft Spree

Thank you from Afreshe to professional artist Mr Patrick Lwasampijja who led the Christmas Card Craft Spree!

This Scottish Refugee Council Funded event which took place on Friday 27th December was a fun evening for all involved! There were some cracking cards made highlighting the importance of making time to be creative and allowing children and young people to develop their talent in art.

The Spark! Career Stepping Stones - September 2020

The Spark! is an Afreshe programme designed to help African families, including children, young people and adults to inspire and be inspired through engaging interactions on topical matters. Career Stepping Stones events within The Spark! programme contribute to the fostering of a more connected and integrated African Community that inspires, supports and encourages each other to become better contributors to society. The purpose of the events is to create opportunities for children to listen to a range of role models currently studying or working in different industries. 
In September, we had two fantastic young people sharing their journeys. Moonga is currently studying Medicine and Mercy is an International Business graduate working in consultancy. 

If you would like to share feedback from attending this event or are interested in being a guest speaker, get in touch via email: afreshe@afreshe.com

Guest Speakers September 2020

Moonga Hamukoma

Hi, my name is Moonga Hamukoma I am a 4th year Medical Student at the University of Dundee. I can’t wait to share my journey into medicine and how versatile a career in medicine can be. Outside of university, I am passionate about British Sign Language (BSL) and deaf awareness.

In my free time you will probably find me baking up a storm!

Mercy Abel 

I am a 2020 university Graduate and now starting a career in marketing. In my work I help brands to become more diverse and inclusive internally with their employees and externally with their campaigns/adverts.

The Spark! Career Stepping Stones - July 2020

The Spark! is an Afreshe programme designed to help African families, including children, young people and adults to inspire and be inspired through engaging interactions on topical matters. Career Stepping Stones events within The Spark! programme contribute to the fostering of a more connected and integrated African Community that inspires, supports and encourages each other to become better contributors to society. The purpose of the events is to create opportunities for children to listen to a range of role models currently studying or working in different industries. 

In July, we had three brilliant students sharing their journeys in Dentistry, Engineering and Medicine.

If you would like to share feedback from attending this event or are interested in being a guest speaker, get in touch via email: afreshe@afreshe.com

Guest Speakers July 2020

Desmond Manangazira

Desmond "Dee" Manangazira is a Dental student going into his 4th year at the University of Dundee. He is also a graduate of the University of Central Lancashire with a BSc in Biomedical Science and MSc in Cancer Research. Dee's journey to dental school was not traditional, having first gone into Clinical Microbiology before deciding to change career.

Pursuing Dentistry was a challenge he set himself having felt a disconnect between his work and the patients he was helping. In an effort to go into front-line medicine, Dee considered Pharmacy, Medicine, and Nursing; and finally decided on Dentistry. He says, "Dentistry is unique because it offers a good work life balance complimented with the satisfaction of knowing every single individual you help.".

Nyasha Mutembwa

Hi, my name is Nyasha Mutembwa, I am an incoming fourth year Civil Engineering student at the University of Dundee and I am excited to share my journey so far in the world of engineering and inspire incoming generations to always explore the opportunities around them as well as show them that  determination, strength and drive are the way forward to succeed. 

Olukayode Oki

Oki is currently a 4th year Medical student at the University of Dundee and is passionate about all things related to social justice. Over the last 10 years, he has spent his time working with young people of all ages within various capacities. Also, Oki is a regular panellist on the British Medical Journal's (BMJ) Medical Student Podcast - Sharp Scratch on which he relishes talking about life's big questions. 

Throughout lockdown, the one thing Oki has clearly missed are his bi weekly hair appointments and is LITERALLY counting down the seconds till his barber opens on Wednesday this week (15/07/2020). Oki isn't as good a singer as he would have loved to be but he is definitely a snappy dresser. If you would like to connect with Oki , feel free to follow him on twitter & Instagram - @teekayoki.

Youth Mental Health Lockdown Discussion:
Life Post Lockdown/Racism Today

Afreshe collaborated with Baba Yangu Foundation to create a safe space for our youth participants to have an open dialogue on Mental Health experiences.  

Baba Yangu Foundation is a non-profit organisation which launched in the UK in 2019 to complement their ongoing work in Uganda since 2010. Their main objective is to eradicate the stigma and isolation associated with Mental Health in the Black community while assisting those in need to gain access to help.

This Youth Metal Health Discussion was an insightful discussion grounded on togetherness, where everyone was given the opportunity to share their point of view. This allowed others to gain practical tips on how to maintain their mental wellbeing in an welcoming environment. We hope to create more opportunities for these difficult and progressive conversations.

COVID-19 Food Support

Afreshe Board Members and volunteers supported vulnerable member families directly affected by coronavirus.

Afreshe was entrusted to distribute essential food from Scottish Governments Community Food Fund to more members and the wider public in need within the Glasgow area. 

This effort was greatly appreciated by many; just look at the feedback below!

NOTE: This project is currently closed.

2.6 Challenge 

In light of government guidelines limiting mass gatherings including a range of important fundraising events for various UK charities, Afreshe was excited and eager to take part in the 2.6 Challenge. Our members offered to complete a range of sponsored activities including drawing 26 rainbows, observing 26 minutes of silence, completing 26 minutes of exercise, covering 26,000 steps in 24 hours, walking for 2 hours and 6 minutes, dancing for 26 minutes and making 2600 jumps of the rope. This brilliant effort from the safety of respective homes and local areas raised £308 for Glasgow Children's Hospital Charity, exceeding the initial £300 target. Well done to everyone involved!

Afreshe Children's Christmas Party and Heritage Awards

The Afreshe Children's Christmas Party and Heritage Awards was a brilliant opportunity to celebrate the progress the children had made with their language learning in 2019. Filled with fun, games and presents to welcome the festive time of the year, this funded community celebration event proved to be a hit! 

End-Of-Summer-Break-Family-Get-Together

This brilliant event celebrated the achievements of the Back2Basics Club attendees through thee love of good food and even better music! While weather triggered the decision to move the event to KATS (Kids and Adults Together in Sighthill), this certainly didn't dampen the mood as the happiness, dancing, eating, drinking and games simply continued! We hope to host more events in the name of family fun and strengthening community ties, so if you are looking to get involved, the next one should be here soon. 

Festival 2018 Procession

Following on from the successful participation of Afreshe members in the 2017 Merchant City Carnival, we teamed up with Bridgeman Arts to offer another opportunity to take part in the largest summer carnival procession in Glasgow. 

Silver Jubilee of Kabaka Ronald Muwenda Mutebi II Celebration

This ambitious event, which took place at The Calabash (57 Union Street, Glasgow, G1 3RB), was a hit with guests; highlights included a message from the Kabakas' Palace, games and guest presentations as well as a buffet style African meal.

Fruit Picking at East Yonderton Farm 

The Afreshe 2018 Family Summer Trip on 22nd July was a day trip event to East Yonderton Farm (Walkinshaw Road, Renfrew, Renfrewshire, PA4 9LP). This gave the children, friends and families attending an opportunity to learn about how fruits grow, the concept of seasonality as well as an introduction to the farming lifestyle in Africa. All of this came along with the excitement of fruit picking - the first time in their lifetime for many. For those who were able to stay a little longer, there was also the joy of the Grand Picnic where munching on the strawberries, raspberries, gooseberries, green beans and red currants could finally begin. We had a range of positive feedback for this event and believe it was a brilliant example of how we facilitate families to try great activities in their local area that they had not previously known about. 

Merchant City Carnival Glasgow

In the summer of 2017, 22 individuals participated in the Merchant City Carnival as part of the Afreshe group which had the theme of "Glasgow's Coat of Arms". (A topic which the children learned about during a Back2Basics Club session). The children who were part of the carnival created costumes which represented the national bird of Uganda (Grey-Crowned Crested Crane) which features on the national flag of Uganda. It was a fantastic day filled with music and dancing!