/ About us
Vision and Ethos
Our shared organisational vision which underpins all that we do is: Social justice and race equality in a society proud of its diversity.
Mission
SCOREscotland’s mission and purpose for existence is to:
Work in partnership with others to address the causes and effects of racism and to promote race equality. We will break down barriers to the full participation of minority ethnic communities in all aspects of civic life.
By participation in Civic Life we mean:
- Equality of access to public services and information
- Ability to contribute to and influence policy development and service delivery
- Freely participating in social, political, cultural, and economic life
- Feeling valued and integrated as part of society
Value Statement
SCOREscotland is committed to social justice and equal opportunities for all by providing a service that is accessible and inclusive. Taking a partnership approach, we support and empower those who are disadvantaged and discriminated against. We recognise that a united community is the backbone of a cohesive and harmonious society and thus we strive to “put the unity back into community”.
Meet the Team
Adil Ibrahim – Manager
I am originally from Sudan (I speak Arabic as my first language). I have over 25 years’ experience working in the field of community learning and development with a degree in Community Regeneration (University of Dundee) and a postgraduate qualification in information technology (Napier University). My role within SCOREscotland involves managing staff and volunteers providing them with inspiration and strategic leadership so that they can perform to their best as well as protecting their welfare.
I also support our Board of Directors, promote the work of the organisation, establish effective partnerships and ensure that our services are demand-led. My hobbies include reading, playing table tennis and chess.
Madhavi Latha Apparala - Project Coordinator, Community Fridge & Cycling Projects
I am originally from India and have been living in the UK since 2000, with my husband and 3 children. Back in India, I worked as a Junior Technical Officer for Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. and studied M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Polytechnic in Computer Engineering (D.CM.E). I am a Cycle Instructor, Cycle Ride Leader, Level 3 Basic Expedition Leader, Level 5 Community Sports Leader, John Muir Leader with Discovery, Explorer and Conserver Awards.
I am originally from India and have been living in the UK since 2000, with my husband and 3 children. Back in India, I worked as a Junior Technical Officer for Electronics Corporation of India Ltd. and studied M.Sc. in Applied Mathematics and Polytechnic in Computer Engineering (D.CM.E). I am a Cycle Instructor, Cycle Ride Leader, Level 3 Basic Expedition Leader, Level 5 Community Sports Leader, John Muir Leader with Discovery, Explorer and Conserver Awards.
Davie Luhanga - Youth Project Leader & CashBack Project Officer
I am a Youth Project Leader and CashBack Officer with SCORE Scotland, with an academic background in Public Sociology and a strong commitment to social justice, community empowerment, and youth development. Originally from Malawi, I am fluent in English and several Malawian local languages, which enables me to engage meaningfully with diverse communities and promote inclusion across cultural contexts.
I lead and coordinate activities within the Rising Together project, delivering weekly skills-building, creative, and empowerment programmes for young people. I also facilitate boxing and basketball sessions through the CashBack initiative, using sport as a tool to promote discipline, teamwork, confidence, and positive life choices.
Drawing on my lived experience of growing up in a deprived community in Southern Africa, I bring authenticity and empathy to my practice. I use my personal journey to inspire, mentor, and support young people, helping them build resilience, navigate social challenges, and recognise their potential to thrive. My work is grounded in a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach that values young people’s voices and supports sustainable, community-led change.
Eirini Chatzidaki- Youth Climate Action Project Leader
Hiba Djenane - Finance Administrator
Aisha Amjid - Youth and Children's Development Officer
I am the Youth and Children’s Development Officer at SCOREscotland and my role involves running two of our youth clubs, ‘Knots and Crosses Youth Club’ and ‘Knots and Crosses Children’s Club’. I am from Edinburgh and have lived here for most of my life but now reside in Fife. I obtained my First- Class Honours degree in Child and Youth from the University of the Highlands and Islands in 2021.
Following the completion of my degree, I have worked as a Pupil Support Assistant in both primary and secondary schools supporting young people with their educational, emotional and social development. I am passionate about improving life chances for young people from the minority ethnic community living in Wester Hailes and the surrounding areas. I aim to provide advocacy and support to children and young people in varied settings, including schools to address issues of concern to them such as racism, discrimination and bullying in order to reduce distress and isolation. As a young minority ethnic women from Edinburgh, I understand the challenges faced by our community and want to support SCOREscotland with their plight with ‘building a cohesive and harmonious society where everyone can thrive’.
Lydia Blakemore– Together We Thrive Project Leader
My role with SCOREscotland is to lead the Together We Thrive project. This means bringing people together to build cultural bonds, connect across our differences, and strengthen our wellbeing in community with one another. I love facilitating spaces of connection and flourishing through groups, activities, events, and outings. Edinburgh has been my home since 2015, and my hope is that everyone who lives here will be able to feel as if they belong.
Louisa Charleston - Youth Climate Action Project Coordinator
I originally started with SCOREscotland back in 2013 as a youth worker after completing my training in Youth and Community work in Edinburgh. I was lucky to work on several other projects with SCOREscotland including the Green Futures project, cycle training, walking project and Energy Advice projects. I started back in 2024 in the new role with the Youth Climate Action project. After nine years of working here, Wester Hailes and it’s community is like a second home to me.
I am very passionate about our environment and doing as much as possible to reduce our impact on the planet. I am very happy to work with young people to help educate them on climate issues and build resilience in our ever-changing world. Outside work I enjoy photography, cycling, walking and music with my family and friends.