The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is a global Baha'i-inspired educational process aimed at the moral and intellectual empowerment of young people between the ages of 11 and 14, termed junior youth. Those in this age range are in a special stage of life as they leave childhood behind and approach the fullness of youth. During these years, junior youth have unique needs and a vast reservoir of potential.

At the local level, the Program offered by the Tarneit Training Institute - a community-based educational entity that seeks to raise capacity for community development and promote initiatives for meaningful social change. These programs and activities belong to the local community and are open to all who wish to participate and contribute, irrespective of cultural background, race, nationality or religious affiliation.

The purpose of the program is to release the potential of this age group by enhancing their powers of expression, strengthening their moral perception, and developing a strong moral framework that will serve them throughout their lives and direct their energies and talents towards service to humanity. The program is therefore concerned with the development of the qualities of the human spirit, such as love, generosity, excellence and courage, and the powers of the intellect, such as language, scientific and mathematical reasoning.

Activities
The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program is organised around the concept of a junior youth group which meets periodically in weekly group meetings and holiday camps to engage in the various activities of the program. By participating in the Program, junior youth will:

- Explore profound concepts such as confirmation, joy, hope, orderly mind and excellence through the collective study of junior youth texts.

- Develop language, mathematical and scientific capabilities and apply them to enhance one's understanding of the world around them.

- Design and carry out a range of service projects that contribute to the betterment of the local community.

- Engage in arts, crafts and complimentary activities suited to their age, interests and talents.

- Participate in sports and recreational activities.

- Build meaningful and lasting friendships.

The nature of the junior youth group is one in which the junior youth take ownership as they consult with one another, build unity and support one another to create an atmosphere that is joyous, friendly, intimate, and free of censure or ridicule.

Junior youth groups are guided by trained mentors, referred to as animators. The animators, often older youth from the local community, interact with the junior youth as both true friends and wise advisors. Their role is to accompany the junior youth group through the program, assist them to create environments conducive to their learning and advancement, and give junior youth confidence in their abilities to combat negative social forces and demonstrate their true nobility.

Logistical Details
Location: Dianella Community Centre
Frequency: Once a week (during the school term).

Timing:10-11:30 Saturdays

We eagerly look forward to welcoming your child into the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program.