Sankofa is an Akan symbol meaning, "Go back and retrieve." The word is derived from the words SAN (return), KO (go), FA (look, seek and take).

This symbolizes the quest for knowledge among the Akan with the implication that the quest is based on critical examination, and intelligent and patient investigation.

The symbol is based on a mythical bird with its feet firmly planted forward with its head turned backwards. Thus the Akan belief that the past serves as a guide for planning the future. To the Akan it is this wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future.

The Akans believe that there must be movement and new learning as time passes, but as this forward march proceeds the knowledge of the past must never be forgotten. As the Akan say, "se wo were fi na wosan kofa a, yenkyi": There is nothing wrong with learning from hindsight.

 By talking to the director of The I Have a Dream Foundation, located in Building 16 of the Pisgah View Apartments, I have determined that the Pisgah View Community would benefit from a breakfast program. The I Have a Dream Foundation provides an after school and weekend tutorial program for children ages 7-14 who live in the community. The director told me he is aware that there are at least 50 hungry children in his tutorial program and he feels that helping to feed these children is a missing piece in the overall services provided.