Rites of Passage

All new beginnings include a period of Becoming…
Today in western societies it is generally expected that young people rebel 
from accepted norms and values during their teenage years. This is seen 
as a period of change and personal growth but includes them receiving 
mixed messages from the world especially when it comes to the question of 
whether the society sees them as children or as adults. 

For most young people there isn’t a clear moment that defines childhood 
from adulthood and so young people tend to discover adult roles and 
responsibilities through having to deal with difficult situations as they experience 
them. Transition to adulthood could be at 13, 16, 18 or 21 years or when they 
get their first job, receive a key for the front door, get married, have a baby or 
leave home. This crucial stage of transition often passes without community 
coordination, acknowledgement or celebration.

In African traditions however, Rites of Passage marks important stages of the 
lifecycle such as Birth, Adulthood, Marriage, Eldership and Ancestry. 
Young people become adults after a process of training, education and 
socialisation with their peers. They are prepared for Manhood or Womanhood 
as this is considered fundamental to retaining continuity and wellbeing of the 
culture. These processes lead young people achieving adult status and 
where the community celebrate the arrival of new adults. 

New Initiatives Rites of Passage Programmes are inspired by African tradition. 
We invite the community together to support our Sons and Daughters; to learn 
from the collective experience; to be innovative; to tackle the situations we face 
and embrace an African worldview.
 
Our programmes support and prepare young people for adulthood and equip
them with skills, knowledge and awareness necessary to be proud and confident 
young adults of African descent.

Frequently asked questions.

Why 'Rites of Passage'?

New Initiatives adopted the term 'Traditional African Rites of Passage' as the most culturally relevant phase to best describe our intentions and the essence of our work. We consider the young people that we work with to be in 'transition to adulthood'. Rites of Passage are also consistent with African traditions and cultures and we want to restore and reclaim our cultural practices.

Is it just for young people?

To journey with New Initiatives is to recognise that we are all on our way to our next stage in the life cycle. In saying that, our main focus is young people but we work closely with parents, families and community groups etc to enable young people to successfully move from childhood to adulthood.

What's expected of parents?

We need to work with parents and parents need to work with us.

Young people flourish most when their Parent/s or Guardian/s are known and involved to New Initiatives. That involvement might be minimal such as showing interest and encouragement at home and staying in contact with us. Parents are also invited to Parents Evenings, Parent Workshops, Village Events and are encouraged to meet as parents etc.

 
We take the view that there are limits to working with young people in isolation of their families and we know that the impact of our work is maximised when families and community groups are working together for the benefit of the young people. Parent/s and or Guardian/s are central to our approach but where this is not possible we aim to work closely with a responsible adult in the life of the young person so that issues can be shared and successes celebrated.

What else does New Initiatives do?

Over the years New Initiatives has become a focal point for community gatherings, historical enquiry, values clarification, cultural enrichment and the promotion of an African-centred worldview. We are proud of this and want to see more progressive and forward thinking organisations in the community.

Do you tackle the negative messages that young people receive?

Yes. We are totally committed to countering the negative messages that young people receive; improving their awareness and resilience and of course their ability to make their own informed and wise decisions for themselves.

What is New Initiatives trying to achieve?

Ultimately, we want to see a society that is constantly enriched by young Africans who are proud and confident of their heritage and this propels them forward into adulthood.

HETEP.