African Families in the UK - afiuk CIC

17/06/2026

Good afternoon Oxford 👋

We’re aware of planned demonstrations taking place in the city today and you'll see us out and about as we closely monitor the situation.

Everyone has the right to protest peacefully, and we are working with our partners and the local community to help ensure this can happen safely.

However, if any activity becomes disruptive or puts anyone at risk, we will take appropriate action.

➡️ If you have any concerns, please speak to our officers who are out in the local area. You can also contact us online or call 101. In an emergency, always call 999.

17/06/2026

Feeling incredibly honoured and grateful today.

Following my recent appointment as Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, I am delighted to share that I have also been appointed as an Advisory Member of the G100 Country Advisory Council – Higher Education & Industry Connect.

G100 is a global network of leaders committed to creating opportunities, empowering women, and driving positive change around the world.

I am humbled by the trust placed in me and look forward to contributing to this important work while continuing my commitment to education, entrepreneurship, and community development.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me on this journey. The work continues!

16/06/2026

Tuesdays in AFiUK ,
We start off the day with an English class supported by Activate Learning college tutor. speakers, speakers, speakers, speakers, and many more! Welcome

Then next is our Cafe - today , we are joined by Amber Giles, Oxford City Council official.

We invite you to join us for an engaging discussion on the latest Ward Report, exploring the key health issues affecting our local community.

This is an opportunity to learn about current health challenges in our area, share your views and experiences, and discuss how we can work together to improve the health and wellbeing of our community.

Come along, have your voice heard, and be part of the conversation that shapes a healthier future for everyone.

We look forward to seeing you there.

👩‍⚕️ Led by Amber Giles Community Health development Officer
📍 Venue BLAP
📅 Tuesday, June 16
🕛 12:00 - 14:00
🍽️Shared Lunch

13/06/2026

**DOUBLE HARVEST FOR AFIUK** There are moments when you pause, look back, and simply give thanks.

At African Families in the UK (AFIUK), we are celebrating what feels like a true **double harvest**.

Our Co-Founding Director, **Jacqui Gitau**, has been awarded an **MBE in The King's Birthday Honours List** for her outstanding service to migrant families in Oxfordshire.

Our Co-Founding Director, **Dr (HC) Rachel Nyambura Walton**, has been appointed as a **Deputy Lieutenant for Essex**, an honorary appointment on behalf of His Majesty The King. The appointment was made by Lord Lieutenant of Essex Jennifer Tolhurst

When we founded AFIUK, we never imagined this moment.

We simply saw needs within our communities and responded. We walked alongside families, listened to their stories, celebrated their strengths, and worked together to create opportunities for people to thrive.

These honours were never the goal. The work itself has always been the reward.

This recognition belongs to every volunteer, every family, every young person, every partner, every Community Ambassador and every community member who has been part of the AFIUK journey.

Thank you for trusting us, walking with us, and believing that together we can make a difference.

We receive these honours with humility and gratitude, and recommit ourselves to continuing to serve our communities with compassion, integrity and hope.

Thank you for being part of our story.

13/06/2026

Celebrating our Co‑Founding Director, Jacqui Gitau — Awarded an MBE

AFiUK is bursting with pride as we celebrate our Co‑Founding Director, Jacqui Gitau, who has been awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List for her outstanding service to migrant families in Oxfordshire.

This honour recognises decades of Jacqui’s unwavering commitment to building belonging, strengthening families, and championing the voices of communities who are too often unheard. Her leadership, compassion, and vision have shaped AFiUK into a place where families can thrive, young people can grow in confidence, and our cultural heritage is celebrated as a strength.

Jacqui’s work has touched thousands of lives — through advocacy, community organising, cross‑cultural parenting programmes, youth empowerment, and her tireless dedication to ensuring that every family feels seen, valued, and supported.

We are incredibly proud of her, and we know our whole community will join us in celebrating this well‑deserved national recognition.

Read more about the announcement here:
https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/26189339.18-oxfordshire-people-kings-birthday-honours-list/

13/06/2026

Today at our robotics session the children have moved on tk creating a remote control for their robots . After having programmes their robots to sense and detects any obstacles on their way

13/06/2026

Our weekly After school family learning Zone is a fun, hands-on whole family learning space. The children build healthy peer relationships through play, reading, and shared activities, while parents reconnect, support one another, and enjoy precious moments playing and reading with their children.

Our parent advocates facilitate the sessions modelling with warmth, encouragement, and cultural understanding to every session.

A huge thank you to Oxfordshire County Council and the wonderfully supportive librarians who make these sessions possible. Your partnership helps us create a space where children and families thrive.

12/06/2026

**From Volunteer to Cancer Innovation Leader** Victor's journey shows that everyone has something valuable to contribute.

He joined AFIUK as a volunteer and used his digital skills to strengthen our organisation—improving our websites and helping Community Ambassadors make better use of Google and other online tools.

Today, he is leading the organisation of our **Cancer Innovation & Future Leaders Conference**, coordinating speakers, abstracts, logistics and partnerships to bring together people who are passionate about improving cancer outcomes.

Victor also serves on the Board of the Integrated Cancer Research Foundation of Kenya and helped organise the **2nd Cancer Research Symposium 2025**, creating opportunities for AFIUK to share our award-winning Community Ambassador Model.

One of the highlights was seeing our Young Ambassador, David, present the Lawrence Walker Award to a cancer survivor and share excerpts from his book, *Blended Culture Identity*, reflecting on the loss of family members to pancreatic cancer.

This is the **Power of Multiplication** in action.

**Volunteer → Identify → Invest → Connect → Empower → Multiply → Legacy**

Because we believe:

**"Investing in Community Ambassadors and Young Ambassadors is the bedrock of sustainable progress."**

Thank you, Victor, for all that you do. We are proud of your journey and excited to see the impact you will continue to make.

**Have a story, innovation, research project or lived experience that could inspire change in cancer care? We invite you to submit your abstract and book your place at the Cancer Innovation & Future Leaders Conference. Join us as we bring together researchers, clinicians, community leaders and future leaders to shape a more equitable future in cancer. Find out more at: www.cancerconference.afiuk.org

The conference brings together students, researchers, clinicians, innovators, and community health professionals working together to enhance cancer healthcare.

12/06/2026

In today’s Boma Cross‑Cultural Parenting session, parents completed their life‑journey timelines, looking back at the experiences that shaped their childhoods — the cultural values, the challenges, the resilience, and the transitions that brought them to where they are now.

What made today especially meaningful was hearing parents share that their healing journey truly began when they joined African Families in the UK - afiuk CIC.
Healing from isolation, from misinformation, and from family difficulties that once felt overwhelming.
AFiUK has become a place where they feel seen, supported, and understood — a community where growth and confidence are nurtured.

By connecting their past to their present, parents recognised how their upbringing influences their parenting today.
It was an emotional, empowering session that reminded us why this work matters so much.
, and the real impact of the village that we are building . Thank you Lankelly Chase Foundation for funding this crucial work.

11/06/2026

The Power of Multiplication. Joyce McIntyre's journey is a beautiful example of what the **AFIUK Community Ambassador Model** can achieve.

Joyce first came to AFIUK as a volunteer with a passion to help others. We recognised her potential, invested in her development, connected her with opportunities, and empowered her to lead.

She became one of our lead Community Ambassadors, helping to run our Mother and Toddler Group, creating safe spaces for families, and sharing her lived experience through the groundbreaking **"It is Okay to Ask"** films, which continue to be used in midwifery training.

Joyce's outstanding contribution to her community was recognised through the **Can Do Health Care Award 2024**.

Today, through the **Power of Multiplication**, Joyce has gone on to establish **RAFIKI Community CIC**, creating safe spaces for vulnerable people and ethnic minority families. Through **RAFIKI Kitchen**, she uses the power of culturally familiar food to bring people together, reduce isolation, and build connection and belonging.

This is what success looks like for AFIUK.

**Volunteer → Identify → Invest → Connect → Empower → Multiply → Legacy**

Because as we believe:

"Investing in Community Ambassadors and Young Ambassadors is the bedrock of sustainable progress."

Joyce, we are incredibly proud of you and the lives you continue to touch.