PASSAGES

Passages is a Cleveland Public School and East End Neighborhood House joint effort that provides students in Grades 4-5 experiences based on the Nguzo Saba, or Seven Principals, which originated with Kwanzaa. The focus is on experiences that will help them make the "passage" from childhood to adulthood applicable and open to students in all cultures.

Through activities that are led by trained "elders" from the school staff and community, students learn to internalize the Seven
Principles:

UNITY within family, community, and nation
SELF-DETERMINATION
COLLECTIVE WORK AND RESPONSIBILITY
COOPERATIVE ECONOMICS
PURPOSE
CREATIVITY
FAITH in parents, teachers, leaders

In preparation for career and life planning in later school years, Passages helps students know their history, define who they are, respect elders, accept responsibility as a member of a family, a school, and a community, work to improve their own environment, face challenges with purpose and creativity, build faith in themselves, elders and teachers.

Passages is supported by funds from H.U.D., The National African-American Male Collaboration, The Career Development Program, and Cleveland Public Schools. The program is administered through the National Rites of Passage Institute, East End Neighborhood House, Paul Hill, Jr., CEO/President. East End Neighborhood House and the office of Career Development coordinates activities for schools.

Activities during the school year include adult and student orientation and bonding retreats at Camp Mueller (Phillis Wheatley Association), adult sharing workshops and meetings to help schools support each other, Kwanzaa celebrations in December, and a Passages Achievement Ceremony in May.

This above photo shows the rope course at Camp Mueller. Such courses build confidence. They also teach youths that they can rely on the advice and wisdom of responsible adult instructors.