Among the challenges in the "Obama
Age" is to overcome shortened attention spans and political sensibilities
dictated by twitter, face book and yes reality TV shows. The technological
dominant world of phone's and Blackberry's news is created instantaneously and
too many of our young people have the mindset that if something is not new or
exciting, then nothing is going on. These times really make evident the need to
have a Rite of Passage program for our youth. In the second week of August of
2010 the mothers enrolled their sons (Chris, Patrick, and David) in the
Ambassadors of The Word (AOW) Rites of Passage program for boys founded more
than twenty years ago by SVD priests in Chicago, Illinois. The program draws on
traditions from Ghana and East Africa to help guide young boys into manhood.
The ROPE program tackles subjects ranging from
cultural identity, discipline, respect, non-violence, etiquette, banking,
spirituality, and sexual responsibility. While having a conversation with three
mothers in their mid-twenties, I asked them about their views regarding the
state of young men and women in the 21 Century. "I wanted my son Chris to be
prepared to face a new world", Rosemary says, "I can't wait to see how he will
live out what he has learned". It's not easy navigating adolescent life and all
that goes with its insecurity, peer pressure, bullying, violence and self-esteem
issues, etc. Considering adversities such as absent fathers, derogatory music
videos, it's no wonder mothers and guardians (grandparents- aunts, uncles) are
looking for an alternative. Experts say involving your child in rites of passage
can help.
AOW rites of passage program is based on the Bible
and cultural identity. But the aim of the program is to expand a boy's horizon
and self-awareness. Over the years, I have seen young boys develop strong
relationships beyond family and immediate community. Rites of passage fill the
gap between formal education and home training. Boys need the spiritual,
cultural, and moral enrichment that rites of passage provides.
HOW TO START A PROGRAM
- Get a group of men (community or Church) together informally to discuss the ideas.
- RESEARCH: read traditional rites, customs and child development for Boys
- RESOURCES: create a team of parents, professionals; friends to support the program--- reach out to professors, psychologist, social workers, clergy and anthologists' to be program leaders.
- CLARIFY GOALS and OBJECTIVES----plan where you will hold meetings and how often. Identify educational and cultural activities.
- PLAN your Curriculum
- Study African and African Culture
- Honoring Family and Genealogy
- Discovering different religions and Cultures
- Management skills and financial wisdom
- Learning about the Body
- Developing personal values, goals and plans
- Recruit participants
- Hold an orientation meeting
- Schedule workshops and activities
- Celebrate achievement
Want to learn more:
- How to Be: A Guide to Contemporary Living for African Americans by Harriette Cole (Simon and Schuster and Basic Black: home training for Modern times by Karen Bates
- Rites of Passage training by Antoinette Mensah-- Milwaukee Wisconsin
Videos
I have the strength you have the strength (rites
of passage) Bowman Francis Ministry contact Fr. Ken Hamilton, SVD
