Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program (JYSEP) is a mentorship program for adolescents ages 11 to 14 (aka junior youth)

to develop their spiritual and intellectual capabilities and their capacity to serve their communities

At the heart of the program is a curriculum designed to develop the intellectual and spiritual capabilities of adolescents through:

• language and literacy skills

• mathematical skills

• the power of expression

• scientific investigation of physical, social and spiritual realities

• universal moral concepts inspired by the Baha’i writings including:

  • true friendship

  • choosing a profession that serves humanity

  • how to navigate life challenges

  • spiritual and intellectual excellence

  • how to think deeply about the media and society

An important aspect of the JYSEP is community service. Junior youth regularly plan and organize service projects for their communities. They identify the needs of their communities together. Then they work together with the help of their youth mentors to find a way to give back that reflects their own interests and strengths. Service projects can include:

• bake sales to raise money for charities (such as Sick Kids)

• spending time with elderly at long term care homes

• environmental initiatives (such as garbage pick-up or creating a community garden)

• food and clothing donation drives

In addition to study and service, junior youth build bonds of friendship with each other and their youth mentors through meaningful conversations, games, sports, and art projects!