The AFSANI's Gifts for Life Rites of Passage program is based on African culture, particularly the Akans of Ghana, West Africa. This program is offered annually to youth ages 10-14.

"This is an age group that is undergoing changes - physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually. It is imperative that we catch our young people early and help direct them on a positive path," said Queenmother and Program Director Nana Akua Kyerewaa Opokuwaa. "As Akans who are traditionalists, the Rites of Passage Program offers the children a solid grounding in the culture of our ancestors."

The program's goals are to promote self-esteem, respect, personal responsibility and self-discipline, build confidence, strengthen family and community ties, prevent teenage pregnancy and reduce teen violence. Some of the workshops featured in the program are: African Culture and History, Computer Literacy, African Dancing and Drumming, African Language, Relationships, and Anger and Conflict Management.

In addition to the 2-hour session held two or three times a week, the program includes field trips and an African residential segment whereby the children are taken to a secluded place, segregated by gender to have intensive discussions regarding relevant topics. A community Graduation Outdooring Program which heralds the "coming of age" and marks the beginning of their transititon from one stage of life to the next from puberty to young adulthood is held to complete the program.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The AFSANI Gifts for Life program will include:

• Workshops, seminars, mentoring and other teaching tools to address the concerns and needs of children at the age of puberty and as they begin to explore the tenets of adulthood

• A weekend residential African Village which will provide an opportunity for communal living, in segregated housing for boys and girls, in order to integrate what they have learned and to create lifelong bonds among the participants in the African tradition.

• An AFSANI Gifts for Life Peer Leadership Group to serve as peer leaders for their respective age groups.

• A public graduation ceremony

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Girls and boys between the ages of 10-14.

• Lives in Ward 8, in the District of Columbia. However, open to any person in that age group who lives in D.C. and who meet the final selection criteria

• Based on the need of applicants as evidenced by family situations, school and civic records and recommendations from TANF or other DC service providers.

Please contact AFSANI at afsani@aol.com if you are interested in receiving more information about this program or to receive an application.

Read what participants in the AFSANI's Gifts for Life Rites of Passage Program have to say about the program: http://www.geocities.com/agfl2002.