Sankofa Research & Mentorship Hub
Innovating Africa's Future through Research.
A structured, mentor-guided bootcamp that takes you from Python foundations to AI-assisted research analytics — with weekly labs, rubric-based grading, and a portfolio you present on Demo Day.
Why Sankofa
Guided weekly modules
Read-first lessons, session plans, lab notebooks and assignments unlock as your cohort progresses.
AI-assisted, human-verified
Practice research workflows with AI tools, then have your work reviewed against a clear rubric.
Portfolio & Demo Day
Every submission builds toward a public portfolio and a final research presentation.
A look inside the curriculum
Five modules, opened one at a time as your facilitator paces your cohort. Every module ends with a small deliverable that becomes part of your final portfolio.
Before the Data: Orientation, AI, Research and Python Mindset
Prepare beginners emotionally, technically and conceptually before they touch data.
Portfolio piece: Readiness and Research Interest Profile
Python Basics Before Data Analysis
Build comfort with the language of Python before pandas and data analysis.
Portfolio piece: Python Confidence Mini-Portfolio
From Spreadsheets to DataFrames
Bridge familiar spreadsheet thinking into pandas DataFrames and research-ready data inspection.
Portfolio piece: Dataset Familiarisation Report
Cleaning, Exploring and AI-Assisted Analysis
Clean data, explore patterns, and use AI only after you understand the task.
Portfolio piece: Cleaning, EDA and Human-AI Analysis Audit
Visualization, Reporting and Demo Day
Turn code outputs into a coherent research story that can be presented and improved.
Portfolio piece: Mini Research Report, Policy Brief or Demo Presentation
Who this is for
Sankofa is built for early-career and aspiring African researchers, students and analysts who want research-ready data skills — no prior programming experience required.
- Zero coding background needed — Week 0 starts from first principles.
- Just a computer, an internet connection and a Google account (labs run in Google Colab).
- Curiosity about using data and AI responsibly for African research questions.
- Willingness to submit weekly work for rubric-based, human-verified feedback.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to know how to code already?
No. Week 0 assumes zero coding background and starts with plain-language explanations before you write a line of Python.
What tools do I need?
Just a computer, an internet connection, and a Google account. All the labs run in Google Colab in your browser — nothing to install.
Is it free?
Yes — the curriculum and this platform are free to your cohort.
How long does it take?
Five modules, Week 0 through Week 4, opened one at a time as your facilitator paces your cohort.
What do I get at the end?
A public portfolio built week by week — a final notebook, cleaned dataset, charts, a short report or policy brief, an AI-use disclosure, and a 5-slide deck you present on Demo Day.
Ready to start building?
Create your student account and your facilitator will open Week 0 as soon as your cohort begins.
Sign up now