"At an age when burgeoning intellectual, spiritual and physical powers become accessible to them, they are being given the tools needed to combat the forces that would rob them of their true identity as noble beings and to work for the common good." — The Universal House of Justice
Programme purpose
The junior youth spiritual empowerment programme recognises that young people are deeply altruistic and long to work for social change and progress. To help achieve such a purpose, junior youth groups meet once a week, sometimes more, over three years. They explore materials that have been specifically developed for lower secondary school students, they consult on and plan service projects, participate in sports, and engage in cultural activities, such as drama and crafts, suited to their surroundings. They also attend and help organise special events and projects in the community.
Materials
All of the titles are concerned with developing literacy skills and the power of expression. Some address scientific and mathematical concepts to help youth describe and understand the world around them. The moral concepts that underlie the books are drawn from the teachings of the Bahá'í Faith and touch on universal themes that are enriching to junior youth from all religious and cultural backgrounds.
Themes explored in the materials include:
- Making an effort to achieve noble goals
- Making hopeful choices in the face of difficulties
- Finding one's occupation while serving humanity
- True friendship
- Media and society
Service projects
The groups design and carry out service projects in their community. These projects help junior youth to develop the capacity to think about the needs of their community, consult with one another, and interact with others. Junior youth who have been involved in the programme have carried out projects such as:
- Feeding the homeless
- Litter picking
- Organising family festivals for the community
Voices from the group
"The purpose of the group is to help others… you see how there are people who don't have fortune. There are many homeless here. We once had a project where we gave our sheets and blankets to them, and then we spoke to them. Another time we helped is when we cleaned our park. There were children everywhere and glass where they played. We did this so they would not be hurt."
Solis, 13, All Saints"We come here to make friends and help each other. I saw someone today at group and it had been a long time. I wasn't sure whether to say hello, I felt a little embarrassed to look into her eyes, but then I realised that was the point of the group and being here together."
Ilsu, 14, Mossbourne Academy