“Change is not the same as transition. … Change is external, transition is internal.”
William Bridges. “Managing Transitions”

In preparation for their transition, candidates receive instruction through a year-long program. Many topics are discussed in this course, including physical and psychological changes, basics of Christian faith, and others. A full sexuality training program is also incorporated into the program.

During this time the parents of the candidates are also meeting. Parents are heavily involved in the planning of the reintegration into society. These meetings also include discussions on parenting strategies.

The separation phase is a time that is meant to intentionally detach the students from their childhood. They are removed from the context of their home, family, and friends and into temporary community. It is here that transition takes place.

The Rites usually take the form of a multiple day camp, separate for boys and girls. Here the initiates are given instruction on contemporary and pertinent issues in what it means to be an adult. All instruction is based on sound Christian principles and is done in an interactive way by resident lay counselors.

In order to deepen understanding of what they are going through, the initiates are taken through challenges that include a stretching experience.

A parent is required to come on the last night of the camp; a father/significant male person for the boys and a mother/significant female person for the girls. During this time they have one-on-one sessions.

To signify the candidates’ reintegration into society, a celebration is held. Symbolic gifts chosen by the parents are given to the students. There truly is reason to celebrate.

Since 1997, Adolescent ROPES® programs have been conducted by our staff in various locations. Most of these have been conducted directly by Tanari staff on behalf of over 13 churches.

Our goal is to help churches and communities set up their own rites of passage, and so we purpose to train coordinators. In 2006, there were 10 different churches running their own ROPES® under the supervision of Tanari. So far 18 coordinators have been trained to run ROPES®. “The next annual ROPES Training of coordinators is scheduled for March 2008.
Contact the ROPES coordinator,Ngwiri Njoroge for more details.”

What does the program look like?
The ROPES® ROYAL (Reflections of Young Adult Life) program is designed for students who just finished high school. The program began in 2005 with the aim of preparing young men and women for the “real world.” The climax is when the students participate in a work-placement with an actual corporation.

The program begins with a two week period of service-learning, a time designed to develop a sense of compassion for the needy in our society. In 2005 Kibera was the site for service-learning.

The next phase of the program is the expedition, an outing that helps to forge a temporary community among the participants. For the last two years participants have hiked Mt. Kenya.

Even before the program begins Tanari is busy trying to find corporations interested in hosting an intern. Ideally, ROPES® ROYAL attempts to place students in a work environment in that matches their career aspirations. During the internship students may receive an allowance and invaluable experience in the workforce. Many lessons can be learned during this experience, but at the very least we hope the internship will give focus to their adult life.

If your organization would like to offer a placement opportunity to one of our candidates, we would love to partner with you. We have prepared an introductory letter for your organization that briefs them on Tanari Trust, the ROPES ROYAL program, and the intention of the internship. Please consider this opportunity to partner with us.