By PEACE IJIYERA
FOR many Yoruba Nigerian youths born and raised in the diaspora, it can be difficult to connect with their roots.
The Yoruba Language School Australia Ltd (YLSA) has made it easier through online language lessons that promote education around language and culture.
Established in 2014 by Traralgon local Bosede Adetifa, the lessons are held online via Zoom every Saturday, and are split into beginner, intermediate and advanced classes.
Yoruba is just one out of the more than 500 languages spoken in Nigeria, a country in West Africa. More than just a language, Yoruba carries a long and rich history of art, culture, food and music.
Ms Adetifa, the principal of the school, said she felt inspired to create these classes because she feared that Yoruba youth were losing an important part of themselves.
“The Yoruba Language School inspiration came with me understanding that we are gradually losing our language because we (the parents) are not speaking it to our children,” she said.
Over the nearly 12 years of operation, the school has seen more than 100 students enrol into the school, with 10 students graduating last December.
Student, David Falano, said that he found the language lessons “helpful” in improving his “language skills, confidence and comprehension.”
Last year, under the Amplify grant program, (formerly known as FReezA), YLSA was awarded $45,000 over three years (2025-2027) to plan and host creative and cultural events across Victoria for youths aged 12 to 25.
Backed by the state government, the grant goes towards empowering youths and encouraging them to showcase their talents through creativity, and build the skills necessary to become leaders and confident in the community.
Ms Adetifa says that it “feels great” to have received this support. She explained that she feels fortunate to have received this funding, as YLSA was “the only school that was approved” for the program. The rest being councils and community organisations.
“[We are] small, but mighty,” she said.
In 2025, year one of the program, the YLSA planning committee successfully planned and executed three events across Victoria.
The first was a talent hunt and cultural training event held at Kernot Hall, Morwell. The event saw youths showcase their gifts and talents through spoken word, art, music and dance. Dignitaries, including the then deputy, now Mayor of Latrobe City, Sharon Gibson, was in attendance.
During the event, an interactive workshop presented by Lydia Tesema gave the audience a chance to reflect and learn about their inner compass. Performer Amarantha Robinson, took the audience on a magical historical journey, telling the story of Oshun, the Yoruba goddess of love.
Following this event was a fashion and art show held in Shepparton. Youths were able to tap into their inner Picasso and unleash their creativity through paintings and different art forms.
As much as the event was to showcase art and fashion, it was also an opportunity to learn some valuable life skills. Mental health first aid training was provided by mental health practitioners, creating a healthy conversation around a normally stigmatised topic within the Nigerian community.
The last event was held in Ballarat just after Christmas – a gala and awards night. This event highlighted the achievements of the year and recognised students who had successfully graduated from the language school in 2024 and 2025.
One of the graduates was Mr Falano, who had been doing the lessons for the past three years.
“It felt nice to graduate. It made me feel responsible and proud,” he said.
This year will see YLSA host three more events across Victoria.
The first is a cooking competition where youths will compete for the title of head chef, exploring Nigerian and African cuisine.
The second event will be an audio and visual experience, giving youths the opportunity to showcase the art of storytelling through short films, spoken word, media and poetry, before closing out the year with a ball night in December.
“The wider community can support by being there for us and providing us [with] the space for us to be able to thrive, encouraging and cheering us on,” Ms Adetifa said.
Whether you are Yoruba or not, Nigerian or not, even a youth or not, these events are inclusive and open to everyone in the community to enjoy.
