Why Imo Hub Academy
A bridge back to a heritage that was never meant to be lost.
Imo Hub Academy is a virtual language school dedicated to teaching Yoruba language and culture to children in the diaspora. We exist to close the gap between who our children are and where their families came from, one class at a time.
Who we are
Why Ìmọ̀ Hub Academy exists
Many children of Yoruba parents abroad grow up without the language and cultural knowledge their parents carry, simply because it wasn't passed down at home. That's not a failure of love, it's a natural consequence of distance, busy lives, and circumstance.
Ìmọ̀ Hub Academy exists to close that gap. We were founded to give diaspora families a real, structured way to pass down what geography made difficult to pass down on its own.
We're not a generic language app, and we're not a course built for adults and simplified for kids. Every part of what we teach, and how we teach it, was built specifically for the diaspora experience.
Our mission
To reconnect diaspora children with their Yoruba heritage by teaching them to speak the language of their parents and grandparents, and to instill pride and understanding of Yoruba culture, traditions, and identity, even when it wasn't passed down at home.
Who we serve
Built for a very specific, formative moment
5-12
Years Old
Our primary learners are children ages 5–12 living in the diaspora, many of whom were born to Yoruba parents who, due to distance or circumstance, did not grow up speaking the language themselves. This is a formative age for identity, making it the ideal window to introduce children to Yoruba language and culture in a fun, age-appropriate way, before the gap has a chance to widen further.
How it works
From "I wish they spoke Yoruba" to actually speaking it
Beginner
Foundational vocabulary, pronunciation, greetings, and an introduction to Yoruba culture through songs, games, and stories.
Intermediate
Sentence formation, expanded vocabulary, proverbs, and folktales that build real conversational confidence.
Advanced
Conversational fluency, deeper cultural knowledge, and preparation for showcases and cultural presentations.
Our values
What guides everything we teach
Heritage
Helping children take pride in where they come from, not as an obligation, but as something worth celebrating.
Belonging
Creating a warm, welcoming community for diaspora families, so no child feels alone in this journey.
Growth
Meeting every child at their level, and helping them progress with consistent tracking and real confidence.
Ìmọ̀ Hub academy team
Meet the Founder
My name is Halimat Soetan, a proud mother of three wonderful boys. Born and raised in Nigeria and now living in the United States for over a decade, I carry a deep love and appreciation for my African roots, culture, and heritage. My journey as a mother and my love for children inspired my passion for helping young children connect with their cultural identity in meaningful and enjoyable ways.
Through Ìmọ̀ Hub Academy, my goal is to create engaging and enriching experiences that introduce children to African culture, traditions, stories, language, values, and heritage in a fun, age-appropriate, and relatable way. I believe every child should have the opportunity to understand where they come from, celebrate their heritage with pride, and develop a strong sense of identity.
I created Ìmọ̀ Hub Academy because I believe learning about culture should be joyful, interactive, and memorable. As a mother, educator, and cultural enthusiast, I am passionate about creating a space where children can learn, connect, celebrate, and grow while developing a genuine appreciation for the richness and diversity of African heritage. Welcome to Ìmọ̀ Hub Academy — where culture comes alive and learning is an adventure!
