Introduction
Practised in West Africa by several peoples, including the Senoufo people of Côte D’Ivoire, the Poro is the socio-religious institution through which all young Senoufo must pass in order to be considered a real man by their peers in the said society. In the remainder of our article, we will explain how the Poro is conducted before discussing its importance and impact in Senoufo country.
The PORO process
The Poro takes place over a period of 7 years, considered to be one generation; however, it can be extended to 21 years, i.e. three generations. Women can be initiated, but first during the first generation, after which they must marry. They can only resume training after the menopause.
The young Senufo, aged 7, enters the sacred grove for his training. They are then subjected to difficult tests, the first of which is circumcision. They also have to do chores, such as travelling dozens of kilometres to attend funerals in other villages. They also learn the rudiments of community life, the agricultural work schedule and must practise a craft.
At the end of the 7 years of training, tests are held to determine the best among the initiates. It is he who will be appointed leader of his generation. Finally, the Kafow takes place, a festival symbolising the end of the young Senufo’s initiation. For the occasion, the young initiate is adorned with jewels and dressed in a new cover-up, a scarf and beautiful shoes, not forgetting a white powder around the neck. When they leave, they celebrate by transforming their sufferings into songs to thank God and the people who have supported them during their training.

Importance and impact of the PORO in Senoufo country
The PORO makes the young initiate into a complete man who joins the very closed circle of wise men. Men who have not been initiated into the Poro cannot speak in public and are considered pariahs. They cannot therefore be buried according to tradition.

Conclusion
An initiation rite symbolising the passage from childhood to adulthood, the Poro is important for any young Senufo who wishes to be considered an accomplished man by his peers. It helps to build a man capable of perpetuating the traditions of his community.