The Bahá’í community invites you to join our children’s classes.
Children must be trained to know and to love God, to express this love by learning to love and serve all mankind, and to develop in their own lives all the divine qualities and virtues that God has so generously gifted to every one of His children.
"Every child is potentially the light of the world—and at the same time its darkness; wherefore must the question of education be accounted as of primary importance."
— from the Bahá’í Writings
What are the basic themes taught in Bahá’í children’s classes?
- knowledge of God—the loving Creator of all
- the spiritual nature of all people
- the importance of prayer
- moral and character education
- development of the virtues—the divine qualities within each child
- respect for parents and elders
- the importance of family
- elimination of all prejudice
- celebration of unity in diversity
- the essential oneness of all the world’s major religions
- world peace begins with each one of us
- men and women are equal
- service to others is the best way to worship God
Learning to practise the virtues is central to the programme.
- Trustworthiness
- Courage
- Purity
- Courtesy
- Friendliness
- Self-discipline
- Service
- Politeness
- Determination
- Perseverance
- Cooperation
- Creativity
- Generosity
- Cleanliness
Education must be spiritual as well as material. Spiritual education embodies those virtues or attributes which, when kindled in the hearts and minds of children, not only guide their morals, but also enhance their material education.
How are Bahá’í children’s classes carried out?
The children’s class programme is well organised, systematic, and follows a curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of children at different age levels.
Teachers in charge of classes are all approved by the Bahá’í Assembly and all have minimum training. Teachers have assistants to ensure the smooth running of the classes.
What about the parents?
Parents are invited to study all the materials and lesson plans in the curriculum. These are available for all parents. Parents are also very welcome to attend the classes and to assist the teachers with supervision.
Are there any costs?
There are no course fees but there may be a small charge to cover the costs of materials used by the children.
Where are the classes heId?
In Lower Hutt or Wellington
Who can I contact to enrol my children and or to find out more about these classes?
Mava or Monib (04)565-1111
'Abdu'l-Bahá laid great stress on Education. He said "The girl's education is of more importance today than the boy's, for she is the mother of the future race. It is the duty of all to look after the children. Those without children should, if possible, make themselves responsible for the education of a child."
(Abdu'l-Baha, Abdu'l-Baha in London, p. 91)