Approach

Our work with junior youth is born out of a conviction that this period of life, the years between 12 and 14, is of special importance. This is a time when fundamental concepts about individual and collective life are formulated in young, awakening minds. Junior youth begin to question much of what they have been previously taught by parents and teachers; they become aware of the contradictions that surround them and they are not as willing as before to follow automatically the standards set by adults. They seek answers to questions, often very philosophical ones, and of these questions those that have to do with one’s identity are of special importance.

This age is also a vulnerable time of life characterized by sudden and rapid changes, changes that are not merely physical, but more fundamentally emotional, intellectual and behavioral. These changes, of course, do not occur in a vacuum. Environment, culture, upbringing, and relationships contribute to the nature and direction of these changes, influencing young people to think, act and behave in certain ways. The physical and emotional changes that a person experiences during this stage of life are interrelated and they can lead to a vulnerability that can be exploited for good or bad. We can see, for example, how propaganda and advertising are increasingly shaping the values and attitudes of young people.

In contrast to many widespread perceptions about junior youth, we do not view rebelliousness, irrationality and frivolity as inherent to this stage of life. Rather, this type of behavior, when it exists, is seen as imposed by the social environment. Even in today's society, across cultures, the kind of attributes that stand out as inherent to this period of life are enthusiasm, willingness to learn, sense of justice, and tendency towards altruism. Junior youth have a longing to be a part of and to contribute to something greater than themselves.

With the above thoughts in mind, programs for junior youth, who will be the youth of tomorrow, need to assist them to adopt lofty aims, be inspired by noble thoughts, and develop qualities and abilities that a life of service to humanity will require of them. Youth of this age have a good deal to say and if treated as children we miss the opportunity to win their trust and help them form a proper identity, not an identity that is centered on self and its fulfillment, but one that will lead to a lifetime service. It is our conviction that one’s talents and capacities can only be developed in working for the benefit of others.

Junior youth are quite willing to join with the constructive forces of society and give selflessly of their time and energy to noble causes. These are the years in which the future defenders of the environment, the builders' of peace, the champions of justice, the selfless educators of humankind are formed. And junior youth are capable of showing exemplary courage in standing up for their ideals. Out of a conviction that when appropriate attention is given to the needs of this age group over an extended period of time, the majority will grow up to lead productive and fruitful lives and be among the most valuable human resources in the community.

Spiritual Empowerment Program
Youth between the ages of 12 and 14

Junior youth groups seek to involve youth between the ages of 12 and 14 in meaningful action that will engage their interests, involve them in social interaction with older youth, and mould their capacities for service -- striving to enable them to make a positive contribution to their communities.

Emphasis is placed on developing the power of expression -- for example, vocabulary, comprehension, and eloquent speech. If youth are to live a productive and fruitful life in a world of increasing complexity, they must be able to articulate ideas with precision and clarity and translate high ideals and noble words into deeds. To contribute to the progress of a community, youth need the language that allows them to reflect, to analyze and to apply. The program seeks to go beyond assisting with the mechanics of expression, striving to help youth understand the powerful social, cultural and ideological forces that shape thought and values. For example, the effects of advertising on thought and behaviour are discussed and analyzed in order to raise the youth's social consciousness to a state where they can question and analyze the forces that are influencing their lives and choices. Much attention is given to helping participants gain greater understanding of the moral implications of speech and action

The program is offered in the context of a junior youth group, in which a number of junior youth study, discuss, and participate in artistic and extracurricular activities together, guided by an older youth who serves as an "animator." Junior Youth Groups are created with the conviction that those at this age are capable of thinking deeply about the world and their place within it and from the belief that they need an environment that gives them support, an environment in which their thoughts and views are respected. Many will remember the extent to which they engaged in meaningful conversation with their peers during their own adolescence, how much importance was placed on their opinions and how reassuring was the sense of belonging to a group of friends. Junior Youth Groups are organized to satisfy these legitimate needs.