Across South Africa, children of traditional families participate in initiation school. Although the duration and content of the programs differ based on regional and tribal beliefs, students wanting to learn more about bush survival and their ancestral traditions attend ngoma. In a rural village in the Northeast, 60 girls prepare for the conclusion of their three-month education — and prepare to return to their communities as women.
[Click here to view the slideshow.]
Dear Reader,
In The Fray is a nonprofit staffed by volunteers. If you liked this piece, could you please donate $10? If you want to help, you can also:
- Follow us on Twitter: @inthefray
- Comment on stories or like us on Facebook
- Subscribe to our free email newsletter
- Send us your writing, photography, or artwork
- Republish our Creative Commons-licensed content