Up to 20 Junior Youths of the Baha’i Faith, have completed a one-week intensive study program at the Western provincial capital of Gizo.
The program called ‘Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program’ (JYEP) was held last week at the Baha’i Centre in Jah Mountain.
The young participants represented various communities, including Gizo Local Spiritual Assembly (LSA), Titiana, Mile 2, Nusabaruku, Babanga, and New Manda.
Evelyn Kaieti, a representative of the Western Province’s Area Teaching Committee (ATC), explained that JYEP is a global movement aimed at motivating middle schoolers to work with parents and community members to contribute to the well-being of their neighborhoods and the wider world.
“While inspired by the teachings of the Baha’i Faith, the program does not serve as religious instruction. Instead, it affirms that young people have a vital role in helping their communities grow,” she said.
She highlighted that in these groups, Junior Youth are mentored by older teens and young adults, referred to as ‘animators,’ who help them develop spiritual qualities, intellectual capabilities, and a capacity for service to society.
“The program is based on the belief that, to help young people achieve their highest potential, education must address both their intellectual and spiritual development,” she said.
The spiritual empowerment program focuses on releasing the intellectual and spiritual capacities of young adolescents, typically aged between 12 and 15, and directing these abilities toward service to humanity.
“At this critical age, young people begin transitioning from childhood to adolescence and develop fundamental concepts about their identity and the roles they will play in society,” Kaieti said.
She added that in group settings, the youths are accompanied by an older youth mentor, or “animator,” who inspires them to serve their communities, families, and friends, contributing to the overall well-being of society.
“By focusing on developing their powers of expression, the program helps Junior Youth translate high ideals and noble words into selfless actions,” Kaieti further added.
She also emphasized that discussions on contributing to societal betterment resonate more deeply with young people when centered on spiritual themes such as the meaning of life, human nature, virtues and values that shape society, the role of prayer and reflection, and the significance of sacred texts and traditions as sources of guidance.
The Intensive study also includes participants goes through Study Circle that focus on Book One which called to ‘Reflections on the life of the Spirit.’
In the Bahá’í Faith, the core activities are designed to foster spiritual growth, community development, and social transformation.
These activities are open to everyone, regardless of their religious background, and emphasize service, learning, and the betterment of society.
The four core activities are: devotional program, study circles, and children classes.
By Ulutah Gina
Gizo News Bureau
