The principal aim of the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme (JYSEP) is to empower the young people in the age group of 11 to 14 to understand the purpose of life and to become conscious participants in the process of their own growth and development and that of their peers and friends.
While global trends project an image of this age group as problematic, being lost in the throes of tumultuous physical and emotional change, unresponsive, self-consumed – this Bahá’í -initiated programme seeks to move in the opposite direction. It engages their expanding consciousness in an exploration of reality that helps them analyze the constructive and destructive forces operating in society and to recognize the influence these forces exert on their thoughts and actions. It sharpens their spiritual perception, enhancing their powers of expression and reinforcing moral structures that will serve them throughout their lives. At an age when burgeoning intellectual, spiritual and physical powers become accessible to them, they are being given the tools needed to combat forces that would rob them of their true dignity as noble beings and to work for the common good. The programme assists junior youth to navigate through a crucial stage of their lives and to become empowered to direct their energies toward the advancement of civilization.
In neighborhoods and villages in Philippines, Junior Youth Groups (JYGs) are being formed and are meeting in homes and baranggay halls, often on a weekly basis. These groups draw-in young participants from the entire neighborhood or village and unite them into peer clusters of positive influence and mutual support. Meetings are carried out in a supportive environment, allowing group members to voice their thoughts and opinions while at the same time learn to understand the wider implications of their beliefs.
In each group, there is the need for an older person who is a true friend to the youth and can assist them in the development of their capacities. Those who perform such a function are known as the animators of junior youth groups. Their presence helps the members of each group to remain hopeful and convinced that they can protect themselves against the negative influences of disintegrating society surrounding them. The animator also accompanies group members as they engage in a variety of complementary activities such as performing arts and community service projects.
Together the group studies materials from a curriculum which has been developed to introduce critical moral concepts and simultaneously enhance the member’s power of expression. While each of the books in the curriculum explores universal spiritual principles, these have been developed around the world and provide members with an opportunity to explore cultural aspects of society from an uplifting perspective.
Groups plan and engage in service and social activities, allowing members to practice the concepts which they have studied, and to develop new skills. As the group members grow and develop, so too does the level and complexity of group activities.
Workbooks for Junior Youth Programmes
There are currently four workbooks for the programme. In Philippines, these are available in English and Tagalog languages. Below are provided the first lessons of each workbook.
Tagalog Language
Mga Simoy ng Pagpapatibay (unang aklat) - Download
Mumunting Liwanag ng Pag-asa (pangalawang aklat) - Download
Espiritu ng Pananampalataya (pangatlong aklat) – Download
Lumalakad sa Tuwid na Landas (pang-apat na aklat) – Download
