Group of people seated around a table in a meeting room, listening to a speaker at the front, with framed pictures and masks on the wall behind.

A group of people seated watching a man at a podium during a meeting or discussion in a room with curtains and a clock on the wall.

Group of people standing together indoors, some holding certificates or artwork, in a room with curtains and a flag in the background.

Group of six young people in traditional African clothing standing behind a table with cultural artifacts, a small flag, and framed artwork in a dimly lit room.

Empowering Youth Potential

SIMBA NA FALAMI YOUTH PROGRAM

Strategic Services for Youth Development Excellence

Mentoring Intelligence (MI)

Youth will benefit from over 80 years of learned life experiences that are facilitated by our supremely knowledgeable mentors. Partnerships with local organizations, business, industries, and agencies place our youth at a specific advantage to succeed.

Commitment to the SNF Family

Becoming a member of the SNF Family is a lifelong commitment. Which means youth will be supported far beyond their transition to adulthood and will be resposible for assisting the development of the next group of youth.

SIMBA NA FALAMI YOUTH PROGRAM

Comprehensive Development Program

Simba Na Falami’s 7-Stage “rite of passage” curriculum engages our youth in the most significant areas of the growth process from adolescences to adulthood to ensure the greatest chance for our youth to succeed as adults.

Four young people standing together holding framed certificates, wearing matching African print shirts, in front of a colorful patterned backdrop.

A group of children standing in a classroom, wearing masks, with their hands at their sides.

Shield or emblem with a woman and man holding it, featuring a shield with various symbols, and a banner with the words "Unity, Peace, Progress."

Four people standing face to face, engaging in a friendly fist bump. They are dressed casually, with one person wearing shorts, another in a white T-shirt, and two others in darker clothing. They are in an indoor setting, with a plain wall behind them, a wooden floor, and a wall clock showing 1:54.

7-Stage “Rite of Passage” Curriculum

Close-up photograph of a vintage map showing the continent of Africa with orange and yellow tones and country borders.

African History and Culture

Youth will take a deep dive into the first human civilizations and study our ancient people, thier discoveries and contributions. We cover the ancient period from 5000 BC through the start of ”The Great Maafa” (European slave trade)

A person with a shaved head, wearing glasses, and dressed in a dark suit with a white shirt and tie, resting their head on a hand, in an indoor setting with a lamp and dark wooden furniture in the background.

African American History and Culture

Youth will explore the heroic journey of millions stolen Africans through the European Slave Trade including all the fight for freedom and the contributions of those stolen African to us and American society.

A young boy sitting on exercise equipment at the gym, holding handles and looking up, with a machine in the background labeled 'STRIVE'.

Health/Physical Fitness Training

Youth will engage in health and physical fitness training. Education on nutrition, physical exercise, and hygiene will accompany the training.

A group of people, including children and adults, standing in a line with hands at their sides, facing a person in a martial arts uniform, in a room with tiled floor and flags in the background.

Self-Defense/ Weapons Training

The ability to defend oneself is invaluable to the development of Self-Determination, Self-Confidence, and unlocking the “Warrior” within our youth,

Two children, a boy and a girl, wearing masks, standing inside a classroom holding up colorful artwork of the continent of South America. The boy's artwork appears to be a line drawing, while the girl's artwork is painted with vibrant colors.

Professional/Skills Development

Mentors will lead the youth through a series of skill/team building activities and capture data that will match our youth with professionals in the field.

Group of people holding a banner that reads 'In Remembrance' outside a building with a sign 'North Hall'.

Community Engagement

Youth will be presented with the opportunities to familiarize themselves with our community and build relations with its members as future leaders.

Rite of Passage Ceremony Presentation Prep

Last stage prepares youth for transition to adulthood!

Four young people standing indoors, holding certificates of completion, wearing matching patterned shirts with African-inspired designs, against a colorful fabric background.

Committed to Sustainable Youth Development

Simba Wachanga (Young Lion) started in 1986 by the male members of the Kansas City Black United Front. The program is seven-stage “rites of passage” process designed to redirect the negative influences and energies developed as a result of living within the accepted culture of our community toward the developement of the next great “Black” men of tomorrow.

Falami (Respect and Honor Me) was developed the following year in 1987 by the female members of the Kansas City Black United Front. We use personal family experiences, traditional African practices and wisdom from the elders to build a curriculum wherein the final product is a youth program for girls that develop character, skills, positive values and a commitment to the progress of Black people.

Learn More