The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program motivates youth to explore complex issues, consult about neighborhood needs, plan and carry out acts of service, and find positive avenues for recreation and artistic expression. Working with mentors called “animators,” pre-teens and teens from all backgrounds learn to identify the positive and negative forces operating in society and are supported in seeing themselves as agents of change. They develop their powers of expression, a global identity, decision-making skills, and a mindset of service to others.
O Lord! Make this youth radiant, and confer Thy bounty upon this poor creature. Bestow upon him knowledge, grant him added strength at the break of every morn and guard him within the shelter of Thy protection so that he may be freed from error, may devote himself to the service of Thy Cause, may guide the wayward, lead the hapless, free the captives and awaken the heedless, that all may be blessed with Thy remembrance and praise. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful. —‘Abdu’l‑Bahá
Transitioning from childhood to youth, young adolescents between the ages of 12 and 15—referred to as “junior youth”—experience rapid physical, intellectual, and emotional changes. at the same time, their spiritual powers also expand. During this short and critical three-year period, ideas about the individual and society that may very well shape the rest of their lives are formed. Facilitators work with the junior youth to instill a sense of community ownership and explore active participation in the advancement of their community.
He is God! O Thou pure God! Let these saplings which have sprouted by the stream of Thy guidance become fresh and verdant through the outpourings of the clouds of Thy tender mercy; cause them to be stirred by the gentle winds wafting from the meads of Thy oneness and suffer them to be revived through the rays of the Sun of Reality, that they may continually grow and flourish, and burst into blossoms and fruit.
O Lord God! Bestow upon each one understanding; give them power and strength and cause them to mirror forth Thy divine aid and confirmation, so that they may become highly distinguished among the people. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful. —‘Abdu’l‑Bahá