"Regardless of their social situations, young people aspire for spiritual and intellectual growth and to make a contribution to the fortunes of humanity." — The Universal House of Justice
Programme purpose
As a community leader, you and your friends form groups with younger peers and help them to explore important questions together, to consult, plan and carry out community service projects, and reflect on their actions as a group. Youth find it reassuring to turn for advice to older peers who understand and sympathise, and can assist as true friends to develop.
Our courses combine study with acts of service in the community. They are intended to establish a dynamic pattern of action that will lead to the sound development of local communities, according to the interests and capabilities of the participants.
Materials and approach
Training sessions and ongoing support for youth assist them to develop a profound understanding of the purpose of their lives and their roles in contributing to social transformation and community building. Initial workshop themes include:
- The role of youth in society and characteristics of their younger peers
- Community building and offering mutual support
- Contributing to the advancement of civilisation
The educational materials we have chosen to use are those of the junior youth programme and Ruhi Institute, as they are focused on building the qualities, attitudes, skills and knowledge needed to serve the younger generation and the community effectively. The sources of knowledge upon which the books of the Institute draw are, on the one hand, the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith and, on the other, the accumulating experience of communities dedicated to advancing the material and spiritual wellbeing of society.
Youth mentors and adult volunteers
Youth volunteer as children's class teachers and junior youth mentors to serve the younger generation. Training is offered that assists youth interested to walk a path of service, beginning with an exploration of their own sense of purpose in life, their role in walking a path of service with others, and contributing to building a vibrant community.
The support and contribution of all adults and families in the community building process is essential. All are invited to train in order to gain knowledge, skills, attitudes, and qualities that contribute to building unity in the community.
"We can think about our service to humanity by imagining a path of service on which we walk together. This path is open to all. We each make the choice to enter it, and we advance on it at our own pace. We do not walk this path alone; we serve alongside our friends, learning together and accompanying one another."