ABOUT US

A Note From Ekaete - Our Story

One of the greatest gifts my parents ever gave me was a solid understanding of where I come from. Growing up in a Nigerian household in the UK, my connection to our history and culture gave me a confidence and level of self-belief that school never could.

Years later, having spent many years teaching secondary school history, I was frustrated by the way in which African history in schools tended to begin and end with its most devastating chapters, and wondered what impact this had on children in the diaspora.

The Pan African Academy was born out of this frustration, but also from a desire for all children of African descent to understand the greatness that they come from.

I saw the appeals for the UK education system to do better and, while commendable, I have always believed in doing for self. We don't need to wait for others to teach our children what we can teach them ourselves.

The Academy was originally intended to be a Saturday school. When we didn't get enough sign-ups to make that work, I took the idea online instead. Live lessons led to online courses and resources, alongside working directly with schools to audit and diversify their history curriculums.

But as the Academy grew, so did the conversations around it.

History would lead us into conversations about identity and belonging, about our communities and about the issues affecting Africans across the world today. Parents wanted more for their children, but it became increasingly clear that adults wanted somewhere to have these conversations too. Our growing online community showed me that there was space for The Pan African Academy to become something more.

So, we are growing.

Children’s education remains at the heart of what we do, and we are developing courses that use African history not only to teach children about the past, but to help prepare them for their own futures. Alongside this, we are creating a new home for our adult community through The Palor, with Cultural Notes, visual essays, conversations and gatherings.

The Academy may look a little different from when we started, but the belief behind it remains the same: knowing our history can change the way we understand ourselves and what we believe is possible.

What We Do

Children’s Education

We use African history as a starting point for something bigger. Our courses, workshops and resources introduce children to the people, stories, ideas and civilisations that shaped Africa, while drawing out lessons that can support their own personal development. We want children to know their history, but also to understand what it can teach them about themselves and their potential.

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Work With Schools

We work with schools that want to give African history the depth and attention it deserves. From curriculum audits and planning support to workshops and special projects, we help educators move beyond the familiar narratives and introduce students to a much broader picture of Africa’s past.

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The Palor - Coming Soon!

The Palor is our growing space for adults. Through cultural notes, visual essays, events and conversations, we take the questions that emerge from our history and bring them into the present. Expect thoughtful discussion about identity, belonging, community, culture and the issues affecting Africa and its diaspora today.