Sankofa believes that being black has an African heritage. People who are read as black or position themselves as black encounter similar resistance in a predominantly white society and share a large number of cultural references. This is little reflected in most existing daycare centers.

A daycare center for Black children means that the cultures, perspectives and realities of Black children become a central part of our childcare offerings and pedagogical structure. A daycare center for Black children challenges the prevailing Eurocentric social norms that create feelings of invisibility, insignificance and inferiority among Black people and People of Color. At Sankofa, we want to build a strong belief in our children that they matter, that they can be whoever they want to be and do whatever they want to do! Looking at pictures in children's books of strong Black people who look like themselves and recognizing themselves in the dolls and toys allows our children to experience themselves positively and value their Blackness. Giving Black children a place where the focus is on their heritage is empowering, not only for Black children, but also for the non-Black children around them.

No. Sankofa does not believe in segregation nor will we engage in exclusionary practices. Sankofa does not want to segregate children out of a belief of superiority and will not engage in activities that involve the oppression of others. Sankofa is a safe space for Black children. Sankofa is a place where Black children can express themselves freely without fear of consequences and without the fear of feeling unsafe or unwelcome because of their background or social gender. Sankofa focuses its attention on building Black children's self-esteem while practicing respect and empathy for others. While we know that no space is 100% safe or free from oppression, it is our priority to create and maintain an environment where oppressive behavior is dismantled to create a safe environment for Black children.

Because Black people make up such a small proportion of the overall population, they often have close connections with people who do not share their African heritage (e.g. friends, work colleagues, family members, etc.), which can be a valuable experience. However, due to their small proportion of the total population (and for other reasons), Black people are exposed to structural racism, microaggression and discrimination very early in their lives. By providing a safe and educational environment, Sankofa aims to help prepare Black children to participate in society at large and contribute in a meaningful and healthy way.

No. Although Sankofa's basic mission is to provide a safe space for Black children and families, Sankofa is not an exclusionary place. However, to ensure Sankofa's primary focus, the decision to accept non-Black families and children is always made on a case-by-case basis.

Yes. In solidarity with non-Black People of Color who face some of the issues that Black people face, we are open to non-Black children of color. We value and celebrate cultural diversity.

Yes, we are not an exclusive place and we don't want to separate families. Patchwork families, adoptive families - everyone is welcome.

Yes, if you believe that it is important for your child to connect with their African heritage, Sankofa will support you in this.

We will be hiring a cook and a cleaner. Therefore, we will not ask you to cook or do the cleaning. However, we will ask parents to take part in the annual spring clean. This is a fun event where we all take responsibility for Sankofa and together with other Sankofa families do a thorough cleaning of our rooms.

Parents can participate in many ways at Sankofa - depending on capacity and interest. From the administrative level to certain parental tasks (e.g. annual spring cleaning, helping to keep our rooms and outdoor area in good condition, small repairs, childcare at staff meetings).

Yes, in addition to the statutory parental contribution (calculated by the Youth Welfare Office, €23 per month for children over one year of age), we charge a contribution of €60 / €70 / €80 (according to self-assessment) per month. However, we will do our best to find ways for all families who want to be part of Sankofa to participate, regardless of income.