An Afrikan-centred process supporting Black youth as they mature and explore their identity.
Quick facts
Service type: Youth
Eligibility: Black youth (age 12 – 24) living in the Greater Toronto Area, specifically Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, East and Central Toronto
Delivery: Currently, the program is being offered virtually. This information will be updated once in-person programming resumes.
Fee: Free
Program dates: Offered seasonally (spring, summer, fall and winter cohorts)
Partners: Catholic Children’s Aid Society, Toronto Children's Aid Society
Program description
The transition from adolescence to adulthood can be a difficult experience, filled with uncertainty and emotional, cognitive and physiological change. Given the specific challenges faced by Black youth in Toronto, Rites of Passage offers resources, guidance and support as they move from one life stage to the next. Our Afrikan-oriented approach encourages critical thinking and fosters a sense of purpose, responsibility, community perspective and resiliency.
Through individual counselling and group activities — including art projects, community events, volunteerism, Elders’ circles and trips — participants explore their identity as young adults and work toward long-term personal growth and success. Rites of Passage graduates serve as community role models, reporting improved self-esteem and higher rates of enrolment in post-secondary education. Many stay connected to the alumni support network for years to come.
Background
A “rite of passage” is a process of maturation and personal development practiced in many Indigenous cultures. The Akan of West Africa believe that the transition from adolescence to adulthood is a critical moment to reflect on four age-old questions that inspire greater self-awareness and connection to one’s community:
Who am I? (What values, history, traditions and cultural precepts do I recognize, respect and continue?)
How did I come to be who I am? (What forces, events and people have come together to frame who I am?)
Am I really who I think I am? (To what extent do I understand, internalize, employ and reflect the cultural authenticity of my origins?)
What is my life purpose?
The legacy of racism, enslavement and the subsequent weakening of cultural systems (language, customs and traditions) continues to have devastating impacts on young people of Afrikan descent, reflected in low educational attainment and employment rates, troubled relationships, engagement in high-risk behaviours and disproportionate representation in our child welfare and criminal justice systems. Yet despite generational cycles of trauma and hardship, where new and innovative support becomes available to young people, they thrive. Knowing where one comes from and the contributions one’s people have made to the development of human history gives one a new sense of connection and power.
Supporting resources
See what Rites of Passage youth get up to! Check out our YouTube Channel.
How you can help
Volunteer opportunities are available for Afrikan Elders, Rites of Passage alumni and placement students. Please contact Chiedza Pasipanodya at CPasipanodya@woodgreen.org. To serve as an Elder, please apply here. Donations are graciously accepted through the WoodGreen Foundation.
Ready to participate?
Registration
Due to COVID-19, in-person services are currently unavailable.
This program is also offered in community centres and schools throughout the GTA.
Hours
Flexible depending on cohort needs
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In person
Online
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