Rites of Passage | Youth mentorship program recognizes graduates on Father’s Day: ‘Each one, teach one’ [Video]

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) — Inside the Phoenix Event Center, proud family and community members watched as four initiates walked towards the front of the room to graduate from the Rites of Passage program.

“I feel like if I didn’t come across this program, then I don’t know where I would be right now,” said 13-year-old Malachi Anderson, one of the teenagers recognized on Sunday.

Rites of Passage is run by Durham Business & Professional Chain Inc., comprised of a group of community leaders, mentors and volunteers who work with youth.

“I’ve learned more (about) respect, leadership, what to do and what not to do in situations,” said Anderson.

“They exposed the young men to leaders in the community. I have noticed that he has greater confidence. He applies himself a little bit more in school. And they have wonderful camping opportunities where they actually get to put into habit those skills learned by becoming …