About Ujima Academy
Program Overview
What We are About
What We are About
The Ujima Legacy Academy’s Rites of Passage Program is a spiritually
based mentorship initiative designed to guide
Middle and High School Students between the ages 13-18 years old through a structured journey of self-discovery, character building, and
life preparation. Grounded in the principles of Ujima (collective work and
responsibility
The Ujima Legacy Academy’s Rites of Passage Program is a spiritually
based mentorship initiative designed to guide
Middle and High School Students between the ages 13-18 years old through a structured journey of self-discovery, character building, and
life preparation. Grounded in the principles of Ujima (collective work and
responsibility), the program incorporates weekly sessions that address essential
facets of adulthood, including financial literacy, public and civic service, social
justice, health and hygiene, spiritual growth, and mental well-being just to name a few.
What We are About
What We are About
What We are About
The Ujima Academy Rites of Passage program was developed within the context and spirit of the
traditional African customs. This year, 2025, will be the inaugural celebration of the program at
Metropolitan Baptist Church. The youth in the program will be referred to as “Mwanafunzi” which
means student or learner in Swahili. The sessions are c
The Ujima Academy Rites of Passage program was developed within the context and spirit of the
traditional African customs. This year, 2025, will be the inaugural celebration of the program at
Metropolitan Baptist Church. The youth in the program will be referred to as “Mwanafunzi” which
means student or learner in Swahili. The sessions are conducted by men and women of the church and
community called Ujima Elders. Who share their varied experiences with the youth. The program is
composed of two groups: “Kentake” for the young females and Adigun Nkosi for the young males.
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
Strengthen Personal Identity and Cultural Awareness: Instill a deep sense of pride and
understanding of African heritage and legacy.
Develop Life Skills for Adulthood: By equipping participants with practical skills necessary
for adulthood.
Foster Leadership and Community Responsibility: Encourage participants to see themselves
as leader
Strengthen Personal Identity and Cultural Awareness: Instill a deep sense of pride and
understanding of African heritage and legacy.
Develop Life Skills for Adulthood: By equipping participants with practical skills necessary
for adulthood.
Foster Leadership and Community Responsibility: Encourage participants to see themselves
as leaders within their communities and inspire a commitment to service.
Promote Spiritual, Mental, and Physical Wellness: Provide tools and guidance to support
holistic development.
Ujima does not serve as a space for religious indoctrination, but as a nurturing, spiritually
conscious, and culturally rooted supplement that responds to the urgent needs of our
community.
Program Structure
Program Objectives
Program Objectives
Start Date:
Sunday, August 17 th
End Sunday, November 9 th
Duration: 13 weeks, with weekly 2-hour sessions on Sundays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: All sessions will be based from Metropolitan Baptist Church, 393 Norfolk Street,
Dorchester, MA 02148.
Some sessions include a proposed venue or virtual/hybrid options
Session Format: Each week’s sessio
Start Date:
Sunday, August 17 th
End Sunday, November 9 th
Duration: 13 weeks, with weekly 2-hour sessions on Sundays 5:00pm-7:00pm
Location: All sessions will be based from Metropolitan Baptist Church, 393 Norfolk Street,
Dorchester, MA 02148.
Some sessions include a proposed venue or virtual/hybrid options
Session Format: Each week’s session will include a combination of discussion, storytelling, practical
workshops, and activities tailored to the week’s topic.
Ujima - Collective Work and Responsibility
Our Mission
To affirm, guide, and equip our youth through culturally grounded spiritually rich mentorship.