“Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom.”
The Bahá’í community’s efforts to contribute to the transformation of society is shaped by a conviction that every individual is a member of the human family and has the capacity to contribute to the betterment of the world. A growing consciousness of this conviction propels an individual’s initiative and long-term commitment to develop their own character and contribute to improving the conditions of society. An individual’s further recognition that their own intellectual and spiritual development is inextricably linked to service to others is a powerful source of moral purpose. The educational endeavours of the Bahá’í community seek to nurture this consciousness and moral purpose among Bahá’ís and their friends.
Study Circles
A study circle is comprised of a group of friends, neighbours or interested individuals that regularly gather, usually in local participants’ homes, to study a book in the sequences of courses offered by the Ruhi Institute [link]. Each book invites participants to reflect on Bahá’í writings and to carry out acts of service in their neighbourhood or wider community. Through such study in action, study circle participants gradually develop capacities that enable them to contribute with confidence to the material and spiritual needs of their communities.
Children’s Classes
For Bahá’ís the moral and spiritual education of children is of vital importance. While parents and family have the greatest responsibility for children within the family unit, children are born into the trust of the community, and their welfare and moral development is the shared concern of all its members.
The Bahá’í community devotes considerable attention to the moral education of children by offering a program of Bahá’í classes for children. These classes, open to all children in a neighborhood or city, promote the development of virtues and qualities essential to contributing to the well-being of society. Through a series of lessons, which include prayers, songs, stories, cooperative games, and artistic activities, children learn about virtues such as kindness, generosity and truthfulness and begin to reflect on their application in their lives. The hope for each child is that they will grow up increasingly free from all forms of prejudice, recognizing the unity of humanity and appreciating the innate dignity and nobility of every human being.
Junior Youth Groups
“The period of youth is characterized by strength and vigor and stands out as the choicest time in human life.” – Abdul-Baha
The Bahá’í community is committed to assisting young people to develop their talents and capacities in service to their communities. The Bahá’í-inspired Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is founded on the idea that for young people achieve their full potential, education must address both the intellectual and spiritual development of the individual.
Junior youth groups help young people ages 11 to 15 to develop their spiritual qualities, intellectual capacities, talents, and potential to serve society among a group of peers. Through the accompaniment of a more experienced animator, participants in a junior youth group study texts which help them develop their powers of expression, participate in artistic and sport activities, and plan and carry out service projects in their neighbour. Through the program, the energy of junior youth is channeled toward serving their neighbours, friends, and families and to contribute to the welfare of their community. The opportunity to participate in a junior youth group or to volunteer as an older animator of a group is open to all young people.
Learn more about this topic
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