Mission Statement
To empower youth by actively promoting the physical, emotional and
mental well-being of youth through cultural arts, education and advocacy.
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Vision Statement
To build an organization that nurtures and produces nurturers; to empower young ndezis using
the core principles and Kindezi concept of family and community integration.
KINDEZI RITES OF PASSAGE YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, INC is not a program per se. It is the art of total nurturing for a child's life, social environment and self development
from birth to death. Each child is regarded as a young nurturer or "ndezi" who must be trained to
properly nurture both self and others, and to cultivate and maintain social environments conducive to the mental, emotional
and physical well being of both the nurturer and the nurtured. Emphasis is placed on both the development of the young
ndezis and social interaction with Elder ndezis who reside within the immediate and expanded community. In addition,
Kindezi is a concept that replicates the African cultural practice of marking a young ndezi's entrance
into adulthood by providing them with the skills, knowledge and communal support they need to be successful, empowered, and
productive members of society. We accomplish this through a series of trainings, workshops, field trips, cultural
events, assignments, practical application and mentoring.
Seminars
Kindezi Rites Of Passage youth are
provided training in the art of Kindezi (art of nurturing or caring for each other), money management, academic achievement
and college preparation, job and career planning, accessing community and educational resources, cultural arts and history.
Group Activities
Ndezis are directed towards developing solidarity,
cultural pride and sense of community. Activities celebrate the individual heritage of the trainees and promote
community involvement through volunteering and prepare ndezis for the CROSS OVER celebration
through dance, song, arts and crafts, recitals and other visual arts.
Passage Retreats
Retreats are offered periodically as a means of bonding between
mentors and ndezis, and as a time of preparation for the CROSS OVER ceremony.
Crossover Ceremony/Celebration
Ndezis
who successfully complete the 13-week program will take a part in a CROSSING OVER ceremony where they will be
presented to their families and friends as responsible young men, women and nurturers of their community.
