This years ORIGIN Graduation fulfilled all our expectations and much more… and it needed to because this year’s group was a tough nut to crack! Not only was it our largest group over the last 20 years but the cohort took 18 months to complete the programme – 6 months longer than planned.
ohh but it was well worth it!
The young people’s presentations were just superb. It was a real pleasure to see the difference between the rehearsals and the main event, as the young men shared their skills, talents and new knowledge with the community. The bond between the Brothers was clearly evident. The contrast from the reluctant individuals that started the programme to the Circle created at the end of the community ceremony was clear to everyone who attended the Taster Workshops and Enrolment Evenings in 2017.
This year’s ORIGIN Graduation was exceptional. The young men rose to the occasion like everything was at stake. They knew that this was the culmination of all that they had learnt. The big day had arrived, the community had gathered, the space was prepared and it was time for them to step forward and shine…, confidently, boldly and with pride. Our Son’s without prompting knew exactly what to do. They were ready!
From the rapturous applause to every Influential Figure presented, to their explosive Warrior Dance and the powerful Martial Arts demonstration – all evidence of ORIGIN’s identify affirming work with our young men.
There’s a lot that we want to see in return for this prolonged investment. We expect to see a tangible change in values, outlook, attitude and behaviour. And when from time-to-time these standards are difficult to maintain… well, each and every Graduate has the ORIGIN safety-net as a resource to draw on. This may come from relationships within their particular cohort (or Circle), the wider Brotherhood of Graduates or the even broader network of relationships from within the Village.
The sacred ritual to mark the change ‘from child to adult‘ is also an alignment and a continuation of traditional African culture, adapted to meet the challenges of African Diaspora identity today.
The announcement “Let The Circle Remain Unbroken” is the point when the Facilitators know that they have done their job…, for this year group. Then over to the customary set of photographs for future memories and to tell others all about this inspiring process of community empowerment.
