Title: Fathers Matter in ECD – Session 4: Sankofa – Looking Back to Move Forward

Sankofa, a word from the Akan language of Ghana, translates to "go back and get it" or "return and get it". It symbolizes the importance of learning from the past to build a better future. The concept is often represented by a stylized bird with its head turned backward, carrying an egg in its mouth, signifying the Akan people's quest for knowledge and the need to reflect on the past.

Joseph Kanyange Kamau July 8, 2025 3 min read

Date: 04 July 2025

“Sankofa” – a powerful African philosophy that teaches us the importance of looking back to reclaim what was lost in order to move forward with wisdom. Today, during our fourth session of the Fathers Matter in ECD series, we embodied this principle in its fullest form.

As we gathered for Session 4, we reflected deeply on where we’ve come from, what we’ve internalized, and the steps we need to take to build a stronger, more inclusive future for children—a future where fathers are seen, heard, and valued.

What Have We Learned So Far?

This session was personal. It hit home for many of us. We didn’t just talk; we listened. We opened our hearts to truths that are often uncomfortable but necessary.

“I have learnt to listen, to consider others and their point of view…”

The conversation about fathers brought a wave of emotion. Many of us shared how we had judged fathers harshly, assuming absence meant disinterest. But today we acknowledged something deeper: some fathers do want to be present, but the systems, past trauma, and sometimes even the gatekeeping by mothers, create barriers.

We also spoke about how society often places a father’s worth only in what he provides financially. We’ve learned to move beyond that. Fatherhood is about presence, care, and being part of the child’s world—not just his wallet.

“Even if we are not together with our baby’s daddy, as long as he is present, we must appreciate that.”

From Learning to Action

This wasn’t just a discussion. Real actions are taking shape. Inspired by the sessions, one center is planning a Father’s Painting Day on 18 July, where dads will join in to paint the walls of the ECD center. This is symbolic—fathers helping to color in the spaces where their children grow and thrive.

We also discussed how damaged roots from the past—pain, rejection, corruption, and broken families—have left emotional scars. Many of us acknowledged how these unresolved wounds contribute to anger and mistrust. But through Sankofa, we are healing. We are reclaiming what was lost—healthy relationships, hope, and community.

Changing Attitudes, Changing Practices

We now see children differently when their fathers are involved—their smiles are wider, their confidence stronger. We’ve noticed how even their movement and attitude shifts. And we, as caregivers and mothers, are taking responsibility for our part in either blocking or building that bond.

“We don’t understand the challenges fathers go through to try and provide. We must be patient and support them.”

Fathers have now started showing up—not just in the child’s life but at the center. At one of our meetings, 12 fathers attended. They didn’t just sit and watch—they participated. One took the minutes, another helped with the setup. This wasn’t just symbolic; it was transformational.

A Call to Continue Forward

The journey is ongoing. We are still learning, still reaching out, still trying to repair what’s been broken and grow something better.

We’ve made a commitment: to stop excluding fathers. To stop measuring them only by financial contribution. To teach them gently. To speak with them respectfully. To center the child, not our anger.

“Mothers and fathers must work together. The focus is the child.”

As we continue this journey, we will carry the wisdom of Sankofa with us. We will remember that in order to build something new, we must first heal the past. And in doing so, we will raise a generation of children who are loved and supported by both parents—and who see their fathers not as absent, but present, valued, and vital.