The significance of initiation ceremonies in some communities provides an important platform through which programs can reach many adolescents and intervene, particularly in addressing the widely held notion among initiates that attending these ceremonies symbolizes that one is not a child anymore and can have sex.

Why is initiation ceremony important?

Initiation ceremony brings the people together e.g. families, relatives and friends. Shedding of blood unites the initiate to the land and ancestors. Initiation ceremonies are looked at as occasion for prayers to God. Initiation helps to restructure the community through age sets/groups.

Why do some cultures have initiation ceremonies?

Initiation rites are seen as fundamental to human growth and development as well as socialization in many African communities. These rites function by ritually marking the transition of someone to full group membership. These rites are linked to individual and community development. ...