About Us
Diversity. Safety. Opportunity.
Aquatics provides a valuable and enriching form of healing, recreation and occupation to the human family. Our goal is to increase the number of people of African descent engaging positively in aquatics thereby changing drowning rates and empowering human development.
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Sankofa Swim International (SSI) is a social benefit corporation providing people of African descent transformational swim training and aquatic programs that promote healing, positive recreation, and a pathway to occupation.
We are based in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota and serve the entire region and the world.
Our Why
People of African descent are drowning at a higher rate than any other ethnic group in the U.S. This stems from centuries of enslavement, post-slavery segregation, trauma and a shortage of Black aquatic professionals in the workforce.
Our mission is to change this crisis in swimming. We are driven to upskill people to become masters of the water and advance Black participation in the aquatic workforce.
The Meaning & Mission of Sankofa
At SSI, we uphold a philosophy called Sankofa. It’s an ancient Ghanaian term that teaches us to gather the best of our past so we may achieve our full potential as we move forward. In this way, Sankofa Swim International integrates culture, history, affirmation, and research into our training as a means of helping participants reconnect to the water in a positive and meaningful way.
How We Work
​We design and implement a swim curriculum that is effective and engaging and by partnering with others to enhance existing programs.
Programs & Curriculum
Our aquatic programs come with SER-based curriculum, equipment, practitioner training, and yearly updates.
Trainings
We provide customized individual and small group swim training that meet the cultural and technical needs of specific swimmers and groups.
Partnership
We partner with schools, community organizations and government agencies to recruit, train, and support our shared goals in aquatics.
Consulting
We advise leaders and groups on best practices to implement and enhance aquatic curriculum, program design, and program delivery.
Our Beliefs
We believe that every person can swim and that the ability to swim is a vital human need.
We dare to restore the rich heritage of Black achievement in aquatics into our modern lives.
We dare to create a safe space where emerging and skilled swimmers are supported and encouraged.
We believe that Black families, communities, and entire nations are stronger when people of African descent are connected to the water, be it as confident swimmers for play or as aquatic professionals safeguarding lives.
Featured In
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