Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program

The junior youth spiritual empowerment program seeks to release the intellectual and spiritual powers of young adolescents, typically between the ages of twelve and fifteen, and direct them towards service to humanity. At this crucial age, young people begin to leave childhood behind and develop and consolidate fundamental concepts about their identity and the role they will play in society. In groups, they are accompanied and motivated by an older youth mentor, referred to as an “animator,” to serve their neighbors, families, and friends, and to contribute to the well-being of the community.

Junior youth groups are usually weekly sessions that incorporate workbooks that develop literacy and powers of expression through stories and activities, as well as community service projects, art, and friendship-building games and activities.

At the heart of the program lies the concept of spiritual empowerment. There are many interpretations for the word “spiritual”. In the context of the program, it refers to the attributes that make us fundamentally human. Spiritual qualities are virtues like empathy, curiosity, a sense of justice, generosity, humility, self-control, and a love for humanity in all its beautiful diversity. To empower young people with these virtues is to imbue them with the powers of the human spirit — the powers of unity, of love, of humble service, of pure deeds — that make them healthy, confident, capable members of society who are willing and eager to work to make the world a better place.

Junior youth participants and animators share their experience with the program

What is a junior youth group like?

Normally, a junior youth group participating in the program meets weekly and studies materials with the aid of an animator, who strives to create an environment of mutual learning and support in which the junior youth’s capacities are brought to life. During the rest of the time, the group the arts, plans service projects, and plays sports and games. In addition to these weekly meetings, junior youth groups sometimes meet in more intensive camps with other groups in the area and performs acts of community service.

All of the written materials studied in junior youth groups are concerned with developing language skills and the power of expression. Some address mathematical concepts and social issues, while others seek to prepare young people to approach the investigation of physical, social and spiritual reality in a scientific manner. Though the moral concepts in the materials are drawn from the Bahá’í teachings, they are not religious in nature, nor do they treat subjects that are specifically Bahá’í.

By focusing on developing their powers of expression, the program assists junior youth to translate high ideals and noble words into selfless deeds. Experience has shown that discussions about contributing to the betterment of society more deeply inspire and motivate young people when they focus on spiritual themes like the following:

The meaning and purpose of life and human nature
Virtues and values that shape our society
The role of prayer, meditation, and reflection in inspiring us and helping us face challenges in life
The value of sacred texts and traditions as sources of guidance and inspiration

Diana describes her journey from reluctance to joy as she became an animator for a junior youth group