Glasgow Afghan United loves culture, and this St Andrew's Day our young members celebrated their dual Scottish and Afghanistani identities with a visit from First Minister John Swinney.
Poetry is popular at our trailblazing GAU School - so popular, in fact, that we formed a special Burns & Rumi Performance Group which allows children to learn and share the immortal words of Robert Burns and Rumi with audiences.
They've already performed at community events, and we were delighted when First Minister John Swinney came to see them in action.
The wee stars treated the First Minister to a rendition of A Man's A Man For A' That, with many wearing traditional Afghanistani clothing.
Because culture is something to share and enjoy. We're all richer when we share in it together.
The FM also met with our talented GAU School graduates who have moved on to further and higher education, our dedicated GAU School teachers, and members of our inspirational Women's Empowerment Project members.
All are building successful, productive lives in Scotland, and contributing to wider society.
Our members include doctors, teachers, carers, language experts, taxi drivers and more.
And our young people are training to become heart specialists, dentists and engineers who will serve the people of Scotland.
Members were delighted to speak with the First Minister about building that shared future, and asked about politics, education and more.
And we had a gift for Mr Swinney - a chapan coat, pakol hat and scarf.
Mr Swinney said: “It's not where we come from that counts, it's about where we're going.
“Great to meet Afghan Scots children at Maryhill Burgh Halls and hear a lovely rendition of Robert Burns.”
Abdul Bostani, managing director of Glasgow Afghan United, said: “Culture, education and empowerment are built into the GAU ethos and we work in partnership with organisations and communities from across Scotland, sharing this with members of all communities.
“We are delighted that the First Minister could join us and meet with our inspirational young people, our amazing WEP members and our fantastic teachers.
“On St Andrews Day, New Scots from all backgrounds will celebrate along with the rest of the country. We are proud to contribute to making a stronger Scotland for all, where everyone is supported to achieve their full potential and live secure, productive lives.”
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