The Bahá’í Faith in Solomon Islands recently organized a workshop in Gizo, Western province to help youths become constructive members of society.

It is called the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programmed, targeting individuals aged 12 to 15.

It is a non-denominational initiative designed not to convert, but to uplift and nurture young minds to become constructive members of society.

“The goal is not to make people Bahá but to raise young individuals who are spiritually conscious, morally grounded, and committed to contributing positively to their communities, “one local animator  of Junior Youth Empowerment Program in Gizo told Solomon Star in an interview.

‘’The program helps young people develop their spiritual and intellectual capacities, strengthen their moral decision-making skills, and enhance their sense of responsibility toward the betterment of society. 

‘’It uses a combination of group discussion, service projects, storytelling, and mentorship to build character and capacity,’’ the young facilitator said.

The Bahá’í community believes that if young people are guided during this critical stage of life, they can become agents of change rather than sources of concern. 

The program promotes the idea that youth are not problems to be fixed, but powers to be released—a message that resonates deeply in a country struggling to unlock the potential of its younger generation.

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (JYSEP) used by the Bahá’í community was developed by the Bahá’í International Community, particularly through its educational and community-building institutions, such as the Ruhi Institute, which is based in Colombia.

By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo