As an Africentric Institute, the DBDLI creates educational change and genuine opportunities for learners and communities of African ancestry to reach their full potential.

Educational research is vital to achieving our vision. We conduct and disseminate learnings from that research providing policy analysis that informs policymakers, educators, parents and the general public on how to best improve educational opportunities and outcomes for Nova Scotian learners of African descent.

The Institute works directly with African Nova Scotian / Canadian organizations, communities, government partners, and educational institutions to identify, develop and implement educational and community capacity enhancement policies, programs and services.