Why We Exist
UK schools too often dismiss African parents' concerns, hold low expectations for our children, and treat our cultural practices as problems to fix.
African parents are told their instincts are wrong. Teachers miss what our children need. Our kids are caught between two worlds with no roadmap.
We exist to change that. We help African parents trust their knowledge, advocate effectively, and raise children who succeed academically without losing their language or culture.
The gap we're filling
African parents in the UK are navigating two worlds. At home, they're maintaining cultural values. At school, their children face bias and pressure to assimilate.
Parents are told:
- "
You're too strict(When setting boundaries)
- "
You're overreacting(When advocating for their children)
- "
Your child needs to integrate(Code for: abandon your culture)
Their children are:
- Excluded at 2.7x the rate of White students
- Labelled 'aggressive' for behavior seen as 'spirited' in others
- Missing from gifted programmes despite ability
- Losing connection to their heritage trying to fit in
What Parents Need
- • Tools to advocate effectively in UK systems
- • Guidance that respects their culture, not dismisses it
- • Evidence-based strategies that work for Black children
- • Community with others facing same challenges
What Educators Need
- • Honest data about bias in their schools
- • Practical strategies to reduce harm
- • Understanding of African families' context
- • Tools to create truly inclusive classrooms
Excluded at
2.7x
the rate of White students
Labelled
Aggressive
for spirited behavior
Missing from
Gifted
despite equal ability
What we do
We provide honest, practical solutions for both parents and educators to bridge the gap and ensure success for African children.
FOR PARENTS:
We provide:
- School advocacy toolkits
- Culturally grounded parenting guidance
- One-to-one coaching and support
- Community connection (Parent Circles)
- Resources in plain language
We don't:
- • Tell you to abandon your culture
- • Offer generic parenting advice
- • Make you feel guilty for wanting better
- • Replace legal or medical professionals
FOR EDUCATORS:
We provide:
- Honest data about bias and exclusion
- Practical classroom strategies
- Self-reflection tools to spot bias
- Ready-to-use resources & lesson plans
- Whole-staff training for actual change
We don't:
- • Shame or blame individual teachers
- • Offer performative "diversity training"
- • Ignore the reality of systemic bias
- • Let schools off the hook with "doing our best"
Our approach
What sets us apart is our commitment to radical honesty and practical results.
We don't sanitise the truth
We name bias, racism, and systemic failure clearly. We use data, not just feelings. We don't soften language to make White people comfortable.
We bridge both worlds
We understand African cultural values AND UK systems. We don't ask parents to choose between culture and integration.
We prioritise action over comfort
Our resources are practical, not theoretical. We give tools, and step-by-step guides. We measure success by outcomes.
We believe in parents
Parents are experts on their children. We equip, we don't patronise. We challenge systems, not parents.
What drives our work
Evidence-based + Culturally grounded
We use child development science AND cultural wisdom. Research matters, but so does lived experience.
Practical above theoretical
You need tools you can use today. We give templates, not lectures. Action creates change.
Honest about power
Schools have power; parents often don't. We help parents navigate that power imbalance.
Community-driven
Parents and educators shape our resources. We listen to what's actually needed. We build together.
What we've achieved together
7
Parents supported through advocacy challenges
2
Schools trained on reducing bias gaps
83
Downloads of free toolkits and resources
47
Parents completed the Parenting Quiz
Founded by a parent who's been there
Anne-Rose started The African Parent after years of fighting for her own children in UK schools and watching other parents struggle alone. She's a mother and advocate who bridges research and lived experience.
How we can support you
Educators: Whole-Staff Training
Half-day or full-day workshops on bias, inclusion, outcomes
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