Rites of Passage (educational program) facts for kids
The Rites of Passage program is a special learning experience for young people. It focuses on African-American history. This program is supported by public schools in Stamford, Connecticut, USA. It helps students connect with their heritage and learn important life lessons.
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What is the Rites of Passage Program?
This program adds an extra day of school on Saturdays for 12 weeks. Students also work on helpful service projects in their community. The main part of the program is an educational trip to Gambia and Senegal. These countries in West Africa are the homelands of many African Americans.
Why is the Trip to Africa Important?
A key part of the trip is visiting Goree Island. On this island, students see the Door of No Return. This door is a powerful symbol. It was the last place many African people stood before being forced onto ships and taken to the Americas as slaves.
Rodney Bass, who started the program, explains its meaning. He says that by going through the "Door of No Return," students can move past the sad history of slavery. They can then connect with their strong ancestral heritage. This helps them link their past to their present lives. The program has seen students improve their schoolwork and become more involved in their communities.
Who Can Join the Program?
The Rites of Passage program is open to students in 7th grade. Students need to apply to be part of it. Usually, about 10 to 20 students are accepted each year.
Who Started the Program?
The program was created by Rodney Bass. He used to be a principal in the Stamford school system. Mr. Bass was inspired after his own first visit to West Africa. He and the other teachers who lead the program wanted to help young people. They believed that understanding history could make students stronger.
Why Was the Program Created?
The program helps students see that slavery was not the only part of the African-American story. Instead, it was a difficult but limited part of a much longer history. This history includes thousands of years of faith, pride, and strength. The program aims to help students understand their full heritage.
Is the Program for Everyone?
Yes, the Rites of Passage program welcomes students of all races and backgrounds. It celebrated its fifth anniversary in 2010.
See also
- East Side House Settlement (Bronx, NY) – an after-school program in the Bronx, NY, that also teaches African American history.
