What is rites of passage training all about? A right of passage is literally a permission or right or chance to move to a higher level of human social and educational
development. The permission is granted by the community/society and signifies the successful completion of a developmental
process earning of the respect of the community for having done so. Thus, the community empowers the individual to move forward.
Conversely, an individual fully maturated and imbued with his/her rights and responsibilities to herself, her peers and her
family is an empowering adjunct to the community. (Mafori, Gwen and Karen Nsenga) Seminars Seminars cover:
The KINDEZI concept of nurturing; teen living; holistic wellness; career exploration; college preparation; accessing community,
cultural heritage; civic responsibility, educational excellence and community resourcing. Group Activities Group activities promote unity, cultural
pride and a sense of community. Activities celebrate culture, art and ancestry; promote community involvement through
peer-to-peer mentoring; volunteer-ism, and prepare ndezis for the crossover celebration through dance, music/songs, arts,
recitals and other visual arts. Retreats provide a serene place and time for ndezis to reflect and to work on their
individual and group presentations for the crossover ceremony.
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Crossing Over Ndezis who successfully
complete training are recognized in a type of graduation ceremony called a CROSSOVER (see sample picture
below).  This symbolizes that the initiates are now recognized as responsible citizens and are ready to make their re-entry into
the community as such. The ceremony generally consists of: Pre-program entertainment, the processional, an introduction
of the initiates, speeches, prayer, the passage ritual, and closing. A celebration of food, dance, music and expressions
from family and friends follows the ceremony. Who Is Involved in the Training Process? Although Kindezi Rites Of Passage, Inc focuses on youth training and empowerment, the entire community is a
very intricate and necessary part of the process. What does it take to become a mentor or ndezi? The very basic qualities
are: If one is of high character, one who acts with truth, justice, order, balance, harmony, righteousness and reciprocity
(Maat); have a deep respect for ancestors, and understand and embrace the art of Kindezi, one can become an ndezi. There is
no race nor gender bias; no socio-economic nor status requirement, and no age limit. Mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers,
grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts uncles, cousins, godparents, neighbors, teachers, clergy and businessmen and women are all
part of the process of shaping patterns for youth. For a deeper understanding of the rites process
and more effectiveness, it is preferable that one has studied and practiced under a qualified rites of passage elder.
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"A Baobab To The Community"
"Youth are a baobab to the community" A
Congo proverb says, "M Fuma Mu Kanda" (The Art of nurturing is a baobab to the community). The baobab
tree, also called, "the tree of life", is capable of providing healing, food, clothing and shelter for bother man
and animal. It is fire resistant and is capable of storing hundreds of liters of water to guard against death during
the dry season. The process by which youth are trained in the art of Kindezi helps them to become baobabs-nurturers,
healers, providers and protectors of our famiies and communities. This is the art of KINDEZI.
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