ABOUT US.

About us

Mamacita Foundation is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation (SC050489) based in Aberdeen. Since 2020 we’ve helped newcomers and families stabilise, connect and move forward with dignity, through weekly pop-in sessions, food support, CV & employment workshops, youth activities and dance/fitness for wellbeing. We’re volunteer-led and partner with local organisations across the city to reduce social isolation, improve health and boost employability.

Beginning our journey in the heart of Scotland, our vision is to address the most pressing societal challenges faced by migrants, asylum seekers, members of Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups and those experiencing extreme hardship.

Our Vision

Recognising the complex factors these groups are up against, from the great hurdle of poverty to the intricacies of navigating a new culture – our mission is to be a safe haven for those that need it the most. We offer not just immediate relief, but everlasting empowerment.

Our foundation was born in response to the growing need for an effective support system and compassionate care that caters to the distinct needs of these communities.

Our Story

After only a few years, the Mamacita Foundation stands tall as a pillar of support which offers a wide range of programmes and services specially made to uplift, educate, and integrate.

Our name is synonymous with trust within the community, as we are well known for advocating for equality, promoting health and well-being, and giving opportunities for education and recreation.

The beating heart of our operation is the belief in the power of our community coming together, and the limitless potential each individual can rise to when they overcome adversity.

We seek to bring out the best in those we help by equipping them with the best resources, skills, and support networks we can offer.

"Our work does make sense only if it is a faithful witness of his time."

— John Paul II, Saint

What We Do

Mamacita Foundation is a Scottish charity in Aberdeen committed to relieving poverty, advancing health and education, and reducing social isolation. We provide practical, person-centred support, food and essentials, welcoming pop-in sessions, CV clinics and employment workshops, youth activities, and wellbeing classes, so newcomers and low-income families in Aberdeen can stabilise, connect, and move forward with confidence and dignity.

1Basics and Essentials

We provide necessary items such as food, bedding, clothing, and sources of heat for those facing financial issues. We have a regularly running food bank service to make sure no one goes hungry.

2Support for Families

We offer children's clothes and shoes as well as books and stationery to support families in meeting their children's educational and personal needs.

Our Core Areas

Education

Training and Upskilling: We conduct sessions to enhance employability. This includes topics such as writing a high-quality CV, tips for searching for jobs and teaching skills like crafting and recycling. These programmes are open to all, but we especially focused in helping young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET). Every Tuesday we host our CV & Job Clinic to assist those who need help finding work or moving to the next stage of their career.
Enhancing vocational skills: We deliver training to teach and enhance skills such as braiding, cooking etc. These skills help migrants and members of deprived communities the ability to participate in society fully and give young people the confidence to be independent.
English Language Classes: We provide language classes to refugees and asylum seekers so they can integrate into Scottish society and their new communities much easier.

Health Promotion

Health and Well-Being Campaigns: We run information sessions and workshops covering various issues such as cancer awareness programs.
Fitness Activities: We offer programs to boost physical health with yoga sessions and other sports activities that encourage community bonding.
Sessions for Socialisation: Be it coffee mornings, group meetup sessions or other events, we alleviate loneliness and isolation by giving opportunities to improve mental wellbeing through building a new social network.

Recreation

Community Events: We host events centred around local communities, to offer social and recreational activities as a way of regularly supporting mental health and reducing loneliness. Throughout the year we have various events to raise awareness for our services and give those newest to our community the chance to make new friends and build strong ties.
Cultural and Recreational Programmes: We provide opportunities to contribute to integration, equality, diversity and inclusion, with events that offer cultural expression and engagement for a vibrant community life.

THE TEAM.

Our Expert

At the heart of Mamacita Foundation is our dedicated management committee, a group of passionate individuals led by Mrs. Ngozi Vivian Draghici. Each member brings a unique set of skills and experiences, united by a shared commitment to supporting our community.

Mrs. Ngozi Vivian Draghici

Chair and Chief Officer

Ngozi Draghici brings a multidisciplinary background spanning recruitment consultancy, law, human resources, quantity surveying, leadership and commercial management. She holds an NVQ Level 5 in Adult Care & Management, is a qualified Mental Health First Aider, and has extensive experience owning and managing businesses. Passionate about training and development, she focuses on employability, wellbeing, and inclusion, empowering people to build confident, independent lives. Since the Foundation's inception, her vision and hands-on leadership have been pivotal in shaping strategy, strengthening governance, and growing our impact across Aberdeen.

Tosede Onyema

Employability and Advocacy Coordinator

A dedicated member of our management committee, Tosede brings valuable expertise and commitment to our mission. Her contributions are essential to our strategic planning and community engagement initiatives.

Our Management Committee

Our Management Committee, is responsible for ensuring the charity's objectives are met, comprises individuals appointed as charity trustees since the foundation's incorporation. They bring together a wealth of expertise from various fields, contributing to our strategic decision-making and governance.

Our Volunteers

The backbone of our operations, our approximately 70 volunteers, are integral to our success. They come from diverse backgrounds, bringing a range of skills and experiences, and are essential in implementing our programs and activities. Their dedication and hard work enable us to reach and positively impact our target communities.

Together, our team and volunteers embody the spirit of the Mamacita Foundation, working tirelessly to uplift and support migrants, asylum seekers, BME members, and deprived communities in Aberdeen and parts of Scotland.

Join Our Mission

Be part of the change. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading awareness, your support makes a real difference in our community.

Become a Volunteer Make a Donation