The Five Gadaa Grades
Grade 1: Dabballee (Ages 0-8)
Role: Childhood and early education
- Learning basic skills
- Introduction to culture
- Protected status
Grade 2: Foollee (Ages 8-16)
Role: Junior warriors and helpers
- Physical training
- Learning traditions
- Assisting elders
Grade 3: Qondaala (Ages 16-24)
Role: Senior warriors
- Military service
- Protecting community
- Advanced training
Grade 4: Luba (Ages 24-32)
Role: Ruling/Leadership class
- Eligible for election as Abba Gadaa
- Making laws
- Governing society
- Leading ceremonies
Grade 5: Yuba (Ages 32-40)
Role: Advisors and elders
- Counseling leaders
- Teaching youth
- Preserving traditions
- Conflict resolution