Junior Youth Program
Purpose
The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program aims to help young adolescents recognize their unique qualities and talents —such as an emerging awareness of reality, a strong sense of justice, a curiosity to learn about the world, and a spirit of selfless service to others. These powers are directed toward the betterment of their communities and its material and spiritual advancement.
"Through education children ... recognize the importance of respecting the interests of others and see as a sacred obligation service to their neighbors."
Bahá'í Writings
The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (JYSEP) seeks to unlock the intellectual and spiritual capacities of young adolescents, generally between the ages of eleven and fifteen, and to direct them toward service to humanity. At this pivotal age, they begin to move beyond childhood and to develop and strengthen fundamental concepts about their identity and the role they will play in society.
Given the importance of belonging to a group of peers at this stage of life, the program is organized around a group of friends who are accompanied by an “animator” — a mentor who builds genuine bonds of friendship with the participants, encouraging them to develop these capacities and direct them towards service to their communities.
What are the capacities the Junior Youth develop?
1
The Power of Expression and Comprehension
The program encourages junior youth to express themselves with clarity and precision, while also strengthening their reading, writing, and comprehension skills. It provides opportunities for artistic expression, critical thinking, and the development of presentation skills, helping them gain greater confidence in sharing their ideas and experiences.
2
Building Strong
Moral Foundations
The program helps junior youth learn to make thoughtful choices by using a process of action and reflection to explore complex situations and discuss their implications. In this way, they develop decision-making skills that will guide them positively throughout their adult lives.
3
Spiritual Perception
Junior youth develop the ability to recognize the constructive and destructive forces at work in their environment and how these influence their lives. Spiritual perception enables them to reflect more deeply on their experiences, make more conscious decisions, and direct their actions toward their own well-being and that of their community.
Elements of the Program
STUDY
Meaningful conversations around stories of the lives of other young people their age helps them learn about profound concepts such as true friendship, intellectual and spiritual excellence, and service.
ACTIVITIES
They take part in artistic and cultural activities, shaped by their interests and diverse backgrounds, and enjoy collaborative recreation that builds deep bonds of friendship.
SERVICE
With the support of their animator, they design service projects aimed at contributing to the betterment of their surroundings.
CAMPS
They take part in monthly camps that bring together junior youth from different communities, giving them the opportunity to share what they are learning and to feel part of a collective movement with a common purpose.
Learn more about the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program
