Cartoon companion

Ms. Disu, inspiring young minds to understand cultural differences through stories, animation and interactive learning

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School visits

Busayo Disu reading a picture book aloud to a school library full of children seated on the carpet — Read with Ms. Disu Story time in a school library

Busayo Disu talking about cultural clothing to children sitting on a school library floor — St. Luke Catholic School Staff

Handwritten card from St. Luke staff: Ms. Disu, thank you so much for coming out to our little school and sharing with our students. St. Luke staff. — St. Luke Catholic School Staff

Busayo Disu opening a school assembly, her “Hello, I’m Busayo” slide on the screen and children seated in front of her — St. Martin’s Catholic School Staff and students

Handwritten card from St. Martin’s staff and students: Thank you Busayo for sharing your passion with us today. May God bless you as you do this important work! From St. Martin’s staff and students. — St. Martin’s Catholic School Staff and students

Children sitting on a school library floor in front of Busayo Disu’s “Be Kind and Nice” slide — Madonna Catholic School

Handwritten card from Madonna staff: Busayo, thank you for sharing your stories with the staff and students at Madonna. We appreciate the time and effort you put into preparing this experience and are grateful for the opportunity to learn from you. Blessings, Madonna staff. — Madonna Catholic School

A room of children with their hands up to answer Busayo Disu at a school assembly — Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School Staff

Handwritten card from OLA staff: Busayo, thank you for spending the day at OLA and sharing about your culture. You’re a beautiful soul; you shine so bright! God bless, OLA staff. — Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School Staff

Busayo Disu pointing to a child in a room of Kindergarten to Grade 4 students seated on a library floor, a slide about hairstyles on the screen beside her — Elk Island Catholic Schools Kindergarten to Grade 4

Interactive Animated Videos

Not a Jungle

Seeing Africa whole
Kindergarten to Grade 5

Amara notices that her school’s World Culture Week display shows Africa only through stereotypes. Through her own drawing she reveals a fuller picture: cities, schools, markets, music and families.

Say My Name

Names and pride
Kindergarten to Grade 5

Every name carries a story. This one is about learning to say people’s names with respect, and owning your own cultural name with pride.

The Lunch Table

Food, culture and belonging
Kindergarten to Grade 5

Malik hides parts of his culture after careless comments about his food, then finds the courage to share it on Culture Celebration Day.

The Casting List

Being seen
Kindergarten to Grade 5

Zuri auditions confidently for the school musical and is placed in the background again. With her grandmother’s encouragement she begins to see her beauty, talent and identity with pride.

Starting Again

Courage and self advocacy
Kindergarten to Grade 5

Tunde is learning to speak up for himself in a new country while his family rebuilds after immigration. A story of self advocacy, family sacrifice and quiet courage.

Ms. Disu, the illustrated character in the same jacket and pose

Ms. Disu, the animated guide Busayo Disu, the person

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Service of interest

Your name

School or library (optional)

Where are you?

Tell me about your students

How many children, and what you would love them to walk away with. A few sentences is enough. Grown ups are always welcome to preview anything before it is shared with children; ask here and it will be sent over.

I reply within two business days. If you would rather write directly, the address is contact@busayodisu.com.

What the schools wrote back

Busayo Disu with a small group of school staff in a meeting room after a session — St. Theresa School Staff and students

Handwritten card from St. Theresa: Busayo, you are truly a gift! Thank you for sharing your stories and spending time with our staff and students here at St. Theresa. God bless you and your family! — St. Theresa School Staff and students

Busayo Disu with a school staff group gathered in a chapel meeting room after a session — Elk Island Catholic Schools Jody Seymour, Director

Email from Jody Seymour, Director of Student and Staff Formation at Elk Island Catholic Schools: Thank you Busayo! We are so thankful for our partnership and the significant work you are doing for fostering an inclusive, empathetic environment in our schools. Bless you. — Elk Island Catholic Schools Jody Seymour, Director

A school staff group gathered on a theatre stage, with Busayo Disu kneeling at the front of them — St. Mary’s School

Handwritten card from St. Mary’s School: Dear Busayo Disu, thank you for taking the time to share your powerful and authentic story with us. Your message was truly inspiring and gave us a deeper understanding of compassion, resilience, and faith. Your words challenge us to reflect on how we can better support and uplift one another in our journey. We are grateful for the wisdom and encouragement you brought to our school community. May God continue to bless you in the important work you do. With gratitude, St. Mary’s School. — St. Mary’s School

A second staff group standing together in the same meeting room at the end of a session with Busayo Disu — Elk Island Catholic Schools EAL and chaplaincy leads

Handwritten card from Elk Island Catholic: Busayo, thank you so much for presenting at our English as an Additional Language lead meeting as well as our school chaplain meeting. We appreciate learning from you and continuing on this journey. God bless, Elk Island Catholic. — Elk Island Catholic Schools EAL and chaplaincy leads

Signed endorsement from Bryan Butler, a retired educator with decades of teaching experience in Alberta and multiple African countries: Ms Disu brings colour and meaning in a way which all Canadian students can relate to and open themselves to new encounters and broader horizons. The student and teacher notes and activities fit well in the Alberta curriculum and offer a fresh option for learning. It is exciting to hear a voice from Africa which highlights the achievements and abilities of Africans. — Bryan Butler Retired educator, Alberta and several African countries

See full album More photographs from story time and classroom visits. Open in Google Photos →

3 paths forward

Busayo Disu

Cultural Mediation & Consulting
Speakings & Keynotes
Screenings & Guided Dialogue
etc.

Work with Busayo

Ms. Disu

Interactive Animated Stories
Classroom Visits
Printable Activities
etc.

Invite Ms. Disu

Our Story, Our Voice

Documentary Films & Screenings
Books & Teaching Guides
Organization Licensing
etc.

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