Yoruba School Initiative
Yoruba School Initiative
Preserving the Yoruba language, culture and values for children and families growing up in Canada.
The Yoruba School is one of Isokan Yoruba Ottawa's longstanding cultural initiatives. It supports the Association's mission to preserve our heritage and promote the teaching of Yoruba language and culture as part of the Canadian mosaic.
Why the School Matters
For families living outside Yorubaland, language and cultural knowledge can weaken across generations. The Yoruba School helps children build a stronger connection to their roots and develop confidence and pride in their heritage.
Isokan Yoruba Ottawa's constitution specifically calls for an integrated learning centre that promotes Yoruba language, cultural heritage, values and traditions.
What Students Learn
- Yoruba language — speaking, understanding and connecting through our mother tongue.
- Ọmọlúàbí values — respect, good character, family unity and community responsibility.
- Culture and customs — greetings, dress, music, dance and traditions.
- History and stories — connecting young people with Yoruba roots, proverbs and inherited wisdom.
Learning Beyond Language
Yoruba School is intended to be more than a language class. Isokan's broader cultural-preservation strategy connects language learning with Yoruba proverbs, traditional stories, music, dance, customs and community celebrations.
This approach helps children understand not only the words of the language, but also the culture and values that give those words meaning.
Yoruba School Today
12 Classes — JK to Grade 8
Recent Association updates report that Yoruba School classes have resumed across 12 classes, from Junior Kindergarten through Grade 8. The Association is also working to encourage greater participation at the secondary-school level.
Connecting School and Community
Isokan Yoruba Ottawa has engaged with the Ottawa Catholic School Board about formally showcasing Yoruba School students' learning at the Association's annual end-of-year celebration.
This creates a stronger bridge between classroom learning, family participation and the wider Yoruba community.
A Legacy Across Generations
The impact of Yoruba School can already be seen across generations. Members who attended the school in its early years have grown into adults and active participants in the Association, demonstrating the lasting value of investing in cultural education.
Looking Ahead
The 2025–2029 Strategic Plan keeps Yoruba School at the centre of Isokan's cultural-preservation work. Priorities include wider registration, language learning for children and adults, stronger cultural programming, increased enrolment and continued measurement of student and parent experience.
Interested in Yoruba School?
Contact Isokan Yoruba Ottawa for current registration, class and program information.
Registration / EnquiriesInitiatives
Join Our Association
Become a member of the Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of Ottawa by completing our membership form.