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Leeds, December 4, 2025
Afrikindness marked a major milestone this weekend with the official launch of its Community Empowerment Programme in Bradford, a transformative initiative designed to strengthen families, equip community leaders, and amplify the voices of underserved groups across the region.
Hosted at the heart of the city, the event brought together community leaders, parents, youth representatives, and professionals, with distinguished guests including the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Fozia Shaheen, who delivered a heartfelt welcome speech, and Professor Udy Archibong MBE, who gave a powerful keynote address that left the room inspired and deeply moved.
A Welcome Rooted in Hope and Community Solidarity
In her opening remarks, the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Fozia Shaheen, celebrated the arrival of Afrikindness in the district, reaffirming the city’s commitment to strengthening families, championing diversity, and supporting organisations who are stepping forward to build resilience within communities.
Her message set the tone for the day: inclusive, compassionate, and forward-looking.
A Keynote That Stirred the Room: Professor Udy’s Call to Action
Professor Udy’s keynote speech was a standout moment of the launch—an energising call for unity, leadership, and proactive engagement. She spoke passionately about:
- The urgent need to recognise cultural strengths within African and ethnic minority communities
- The importance of equipping leaders, who are often the trusted voices families turn to in moments of crisis
- The power of education and capacity building in dismantling stigma, safeguarding children, and improving family outcomes
Her words resonated deeply, reminding attendees that empowerment must begin with knowledge, confidence, and collaboration.
Afrikindness: The Journey from Leeds to Bradford
Founded in Leeds, Afrikindness has rapidly become a beacon of support for families, educators, and communities—delivering mental health programmes, parenting workshops, youth leadership projects, and culturally sensitive safeguarding training.
Over the last two years, the organisation has:
- Trained hundreds of parents across Leeds
- Delivered over 80 community events, webinars and conference
- Provided family interventions and safeguarding support
- Partnered with organisations, service providers, mental health providers, and schools
- Won multiple awards for diversity & inclusion, community service and innovation
Launching the programme in Bradford represents a natural and necessary step forward.
“Bradford is a city full of cultural richness, resilience, and community spirit,” said Bunmi Owolabi, CEO of Afrikindness. “Expanding here means we can reach even more families, empower trusted leaders, and provide culturally attuned support that meets people where they are. This is more than a programme—it is a movement, and we are honoured to begin this new chapter with such warm support from Bradford communities.”
Celebrating Communities: A Shared Vision of Empowerment
The launch brought together a wide representation of Bradford communities, including the Nigerian Community Bradford, faith groups, women’s associations, and parent networks—demonstrating the appetite for culturally grounded education and support.
Presenters from the NHS Bradford Research & Young Dynamos Team delivered thought-provoking presentations, showcasing their education and engagement model for improving research delivery in minority communities. Their insights reinforced the message that empowering families must also include empowering young people. Afrikindness is working closely with the team through our ongoing community engagement, funded by the Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust, to deliver research modules within communities through our representative, Kalenga Mtonga.
The Seven Modules: Building Stronger, Knowledgeable Leaders
Afrikindness’ Community Empowerment Programme offers a comprehensive 7-module training package for community leaders covering:
- Safeguarding & Child Protection
- Parenting with Purpose
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Neurodiversity awareness
- Understanding Social services
- Self care
- Digital inclusion
These modules equip leaders with tools, knowledge, and confidence to support families effectively—and to act early when help is needed.
Leaders are often the first point of contact for struggling families. This programme strengthens their ability to respond with clarity, empathy, and culturally informed guidance.
What This Means for Bradford
Bradford’s growing, diverse population presents unique opportunities and challenges. The launch of Afrikindness in the district signifies:
- Greater access to culturally sensitive training
- Stronger collaboration between community groups and professionals
- Opportunities for parent empowerment and early intervention
- Improved awareness around safeguarding, mental health, and youth wellbeing
- A sustainable model that builds capacity within the communities themselves
Working with Professionals
We are keen to collaborate with professionals, services, and organisations who share our commitment to strengthening families and building culturally informed support within communities. If your team is passionate about mental health, safeguarding, parenting, youth development, or community capacity building, we would love to work together.
To explore partnership opportunities, joint programmes, or community engagement projects, please reach out to us at ceo@afrikindness.org.
Together, we can create lasting impact and ensure every family receives the culturally sensitive support they deserve.
Bradford has opened its doors—and together, we are ready to build stronger, safer, and more empowered communities.
Next Steps: Register Your Community
Afrikindness is now inviting faith groups, cultural organisations, parent networks, and community associations across Bradford to register for the 2026 Cohort of the Community Empowerment Programme.
This is an opportunity to:
✔ Train your community leaders and parents
✔ Strengthen family support
✔ Access tailored resources and workbooks
✔ Take part in a growing regional network
✔ Contribute to long-term community resilience
📩 To register your community or learn more, click below
