A special period
Junior youth between the ages of 11 to 15 are living a crucial period of their life. They are no longer children but they have not reached the fullness of youth. During this period, a number of powers of the mind develop in junior youth such as an acute sense of justice and the capacity to analyse their surroundings. With the advent of technology, globalisation, and the global environmental crisis amongst other things, junior youth are asking themselves fundamental questions regarding existence and want to discover their talents in order to help the world. At times they will be shy or courageous, they will say they want to be alone when in reality they are looking for support. These behaviours are temporary, but their vision of the world and the talents they will have developed will stay with them for life.
About the program
The junior youth empowerment program strives to equip young people with a profound understanding of their own potential. It aims to enhance the power of expression of junior youth, it helps them develop moral capabilities and to plan and put in action service projects with their friends for their community. With the help of more experienced animators, they can develop the necessary tools to combat negative social forces like apathy, discrimination or materialism.
Educational materials
All the educational materials are concerned with developing language skills and the power of expression. Some also address mathematical concepts and social issues, while others seek to prepare young people to approach the investigation of physical, social and ethical reality in a scientific manner
The themes of the texts are explored from a Baha’i perspective, without adopting a mode of religious education. Many kinds of organizations across the globe, including academic institutions, find them useful for their educational programs with junior youth.
To learn more: https://www.devlp.org/its-materials
In practice
Junior youth groups may be held regularly in various gathering places, such as a private residence, a community center or a park. Some groups may also choose to spend several days together to study in an intensive manner in a day camp or an overnight camp. The study can be complemented by sports, artistic and recreational activities, and is always accompanied by a component of service to the community.
Testimonials from junior youth in the program
“The junior youth group feels like home.”
“In the group we have no enemies, we are all friends.”
“We have workbooks about productive stuff, like helping people, encouraging one another.”
“Here we show loving kindness to all that may cross our paths.”
