Sankofa · Adelaide, South Australia
Mentoring · Wellbeing · Employment · Training
About Sankofa
Building skills & creating pathways through programs and community services.
Sankofa is a community-focused organisation creating opportunities for individuals, families and communities to grow, connect and thrive.
We design and deliver culturally responsive, evidence-informed programs across mentoring, health & wellbeing, employment readiness & pathways, training & skills, capacity building and community initiatives.
Our approach focuses on breaking down barriers, building capability and creating meaningful pathways to independence. People shouldn’t have to fit into systems that weren’t built for them. Instead, we create opportunities that recognise their strengths, embrace their identity and support their ambitions.
Our mission
Pathways where systems create barriers.
To design and deliver evidence informed, outcomes focused programs across employment, youth development, wellbeing, mentoring, and capacity building, driving toward social inclusion, physical and mental wellbeing, and economic independence.
Our vision
Rooted in the past. Built for the future.
Communities where people find real skills, real belonging, and a real path to what comes next, with culture, story, and lived experience carried forward in everything we do.
What we do
Six ways we walk alongside.
Mentoring & Support
Building meaningful connections through personalised mentoring that empowers individuals to develop confidence, strengthen life skills and work towards their personal goals.
What this includes
Mentoring & Support
Building meaningful connections through personalised mentoring that empowers individuals to develop confidence, strengthen life skills and work towards their personal goals.
What this includes- Individualised Support. Consistent, relationship-based mentoring tailored to each person’s needs and aspirations.
- Personal Growth & Development. Building confidence, life skills, independence and meaningful community connections.
- Culturally Responsive Approach. Mentoring grounded in lived experience, cultural understanding and genuine connection.
Health & Wellbeing
Promoting physical and mental wellbeing through inclusive programs and activities that encourage healthy lifestyles, build resilience and strengthen community connections.
What this includes
Health & Wellbeing
Promoting physical and mental wellbeing through inclusive programs and activities that encourage healthy lifestyles, build resilience and strengthen community connections.
What this includes- Mental Health & Wellbeing. Supporting emotional wellbeing, resilience, self-confidence and positive mental health.
- Physical Health & Fitness. Encouraging active lifestyles through sport, recreation and movement-based activities.
- Social Connection & Belonging. Creating supportive environments that reduce isolation, foster meaningful relationships and strengthen community connections.
Employment Readiness & Pathways
Empowering individuals with the skills, confidence and opportunities to prepare & enter the workforce, explore career pathways and achieve long-term employment and financial independence.
What this includes
Employment Readiness & Pathways
Empowering individuals with the skills, confidence and opportunities to prepare & enter the workforce, explore career pathways and achieve long-term employment and financial independence.
What this includes- Job Readiness & Skill Development. Building essential workplace skills, confidence and practical knowledge to prepare for employment.
- Employment Pathways & Opportunities. Connecting individuals with training, work experience and meaningful employment opportunities.
- Career Growth & Independence. Supporting individuals to overcome employment barriers, develop career goals and build sustainable futures.
Training & Workshops
Empowering individuals, communities and organisations through engaging, practical and culturally responsive training and workshops that build knowledge, develop skills and create opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What this includes
Training & Workshops
Empowering individuals, communities and organisations through engaging, practical and culturally responsive training and workshops that build knowledge, develop skills and create opportunities for personal and professional growth.
What this includes- Skills & Capacity Building. Delivering practical training that strengthens essential life skills, confidence and independence.
- Education & Personal Development. Providing interactive workshops that promote learning, development and informed decision-making.
- Community Learning & Engagement. Creating inclusive spaces for knowledge sharing, cultural understanding and meaningful community connections.
Community Engagement & Development
Strengthening communities through inclusive services, meaningful engagement and community-led initiatives that foster connection, participation and long-term positive change.
What this includes
Community Engagement & Development
Strengthening communities through inclusive services, meaningful engagement and community-led initiatives that foster connection, participation and long-term positive change.
What this includes- Community Services & Support. Delivering responsive services and initiatives that address community needs, reduce barriers and improve access to opportunities.
- Community Engagement & Participation. Bringing individuals, families and organisations together to build relationships, encourage participation and strengthen social inclusion.
- Community Development & Empowerment. Working alongside communities to identify priorities, build local capacity and create sustainable, community-driven outcomes.
Leadership & Personal Development
Building confident young leaders through voice, identity and personal development, empowering the next generation to create positive change in their communities.
What this includes
Leadership & Personal Development
Building confident young leaders through voice, identity and personal development, empowering the next generation to create positive change in their communities.
What this includes- Leadership & Personal Development. Building confidence, decision-making skills, resilience and the ability to lead and inspire others.
- Youth Voice & Empowerment. Encouraging self-expression, advocacy and meaningful participation in decisions that affect their lives and communities.
- Future Leaders & Opportunities. Supporting young people to explore their aspirations, access leadership opportunities and become positive role models within their communities.
Affiliations
In good company.
We collaborate with government agencies, community organisations, not-for-profits and industry partners who share our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities and lasting impact.
Through these partnerships, we connect individuals, families and communities with the support, resources and opportunities they need to grow, participate and thrive.
What our partners and clients say
"We have seen positive outcomes from participants who have been through the program, including increased confidence in approaching employment, improved understanding of the Australian workplace, and practical progress toward work as well as a number of individuals being placed in employment or work experience opportunities."
"Our collaboration with Sankofa has created meaningful employment and work experience opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. We’ve seen participants develop greater confidence, improve their workplace readiness and gain practical skills that support their transition into employment. Sankofa’s approach helps bridge the gap between personal development and real opportunities in the workforce."
"Working alongside Sankofa has highlighted the importance of culturally responsive and community-led service delivery. Their commitment to building practical programs, strengthening partnerships and creating sustainable pathways demonstrates a genuine focus on long-term outcomes. Sankofa brings a strong understanding of community needs and translates that understanding into meaningful action."
"Our experience working with Sankofa has demonstrated the positive impact of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for families from diverse cultural backgrounds. Their approach encourages community connection, builds confidence and supports meaningful participation. Sankofa’s commitment to empowering families and strengthening community relationships aligns closely with the values of our playgroup."
Let’s Connect.
Whether you’re exploring our programs, making a referral, seeking support or interested in partnering with Sankofa, we’d love to hear from you.