The Rites of Passage program is an intense 12 month program. The program is crafted in a cultural framework for the purpose of teaching African Americas the necessary principals, values, social needs, and discipline needed to anchor them on their passage through Adolescence, Puberty, and Adulthood. Through cultural enrichment experiences, it will build a foundation of positive self-image and self-esteem.

The Rite of Passage Program is designed to address other developmental areas of the life cycle (adults, middle age, and old age). In addition, it will focus on special issues such as, preliminary prevention, teen pregnancy, drug abuse, and high risk youth. It will also be used as a healing strategy through group participation to augment current programs.

The program provides the guidance and support to overcome the confusion and frustration that leads the youth into choosing destructive alternative. The programs accomplish these goals through education, teaching life and social skills, and mentoring

The educational system (public education) for African Americans does not
develop cultural awareness or cultural self- consciousness. To ensure the
development of cultural self- consciousness it is important to develop a
realistic self appraisal and positive concept. Our ancestors have left us
an axiom that both ancient and modern scholars have recognized. “Man Know
Thy Self”
Therefore a process needs to be identified, that will allow African
American student to interact within a society, culturally, and
psychologically, and still be academically successful plus maintain a
positive sense of self.

 

There are many different kinds of rites of passage, consisting of a variety of rituals. Songhai Bamboo Roots Association Rites of Passage Program will focus on the process of preparation, separation, transition, and reincorporation.

When the individual learns what it means to be a member of a society, culture and develop an over-standing of the necessary skills, responsibility, and expectations in order to fulfill their purpose within the culture/society and stage of life.

When the individual demonstrates the ability to perform expected skills and responsibilities.

The phase that one enters as a nonmember and emerges as a member.

When the new members are accepted back into the culture/society by elders and expected to carry out their purpose within the culture/society, thereby maintaining it.