October is Black History Month (BHM) in the UK, a special time to recognise and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black people both in Britain and around the world. This year’s theme, “Standing Firm in Power and Pride,” is all about celebrating strength, courage, and the positive change that comes from leadership, unity, and determination.
For Banya, this theme truly resonates with everything we do. Since 1997, we have been providing homes, care, and support for children and young people across the UK. As a female-founded and Black-led fostering agency, our work is driven by a deep belief that every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and proud of who they are.
Our founder, Nyasha Gwatidzo, started Banya because she wanted to create a fostering service that prioritises belonging and cultural identity. She understood how important it is for children to see their heritage celebrated and respected, and she faced many challenges along the way to make her vision a reality. Her determination laid the foundation for a service that has been helping children thrive for nearly 25 years.
Banya’s name comes from the Shona language and reflects our core mission: to create a sense of community, care, and belonging. For every child in our care, we aim to nurture confidence, resilience, and pride in their cultural identity. We also make sure our foster carers feel supported and empowered, offering training, guidance, and resources so they can give children the best possible start in life.
Our leadership team continues this vision today. Chido Poe, our Managing Director, social worker, and workshop leader, brings 14 years of experience in social care and a strong commitment to social justice and children’s rights. Together, our team ensures that every child and carer in our network feels valued, supported, and part of a welcoming community.
Banya has been recognised nationally for our work. We were graded Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024 and were two-time winners at the Best Businesswomen Awards, reflecting our commitment to care, inclusivity, and positive impact. But our proudest achievements are not awards – they are the children who thrive, the carers who feel confident in their role, and the families whose lives we touch
This Black History Month, we celebrate strength, resilience, and leadership — not just in history, but in our everyday work. At Banya, we see this in the love and dedication of our foster carers, in the confidence and pride of our young people, and in the warmth and inclusivity of our community.
As we mark BHM 2025: Standing Firm in Power and Pride, we celebrate the difference that care, compassion, and representation can make. Every child deserves a home where they feel safe, valued, and proud of who they are — and every foster carer deserves the support to help make that possible.
If you’ve ever considered fostering, now’s the time to take the first step. Learn more about becoming a foster carer.
