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Children's
Activities
Introduction
Bahá’í writings emphasise that 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. Bahá'í Scripture Classes are held at :
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Mount Terry Primary School (Albion Park)
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Flinders Primary School
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Shellharbour Primary School
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Barrack Heights Primary School
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Shell Cove Primary School
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Mount Warrigal Primary School
Basic Themes Taught
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Knowledge of God
- the loving Creator of all
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Development of
virtues
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Study of World
Religions
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The spiritual
nature of people
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The importance
of prayer
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Moral and
character education
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Respect for
parents and elders
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The importance
of family
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Elimination of
prejudice
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Celebration of
unity in diversity
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The oneness of
the world’s major religions
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World peace
begins with each one of us
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Men and women
are equal
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Service to
others as worship to God
Baha'i Education in State Schools (BESS) was first taught in
government schools in Tasmania nearly 20 years ago and then in New
South Wales approximately 13 years ago. These classes were started
by parents who wanted their children to have the opportunity to
learn about their own religion during Religious Education lessons.
In subsequent years these classes have expanded and BESS is now
taught in Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, Northern Territory
and Western Australia. There are approximately 3,000 children
attending these classes throughout the country. All children have
written permission from their parents to attend and do so regardless
of their cultural or religious background.
Teachers of Baha'i Education in State Schools are accredited and go
through a standard approval process. (This includes any state
education department requirements). We encourage teachers to
undertake continuous training and we offer training courses on a
regular basis.
Baha'i education classes aim to contribute to the awakening and
development of the spiritual nature of every child attending the
classes, complementing the material and physical education provided
by schools. One aspect of spirituality is the development of
virtues. Virtues such as kindness, honesty, love, service and
courtesy, which may be seen as the building blocks of character, are
explored in depth. Baha'is believe that every child is a
storehouse of virtues waiting to be developed. By noticing when a
child is practicing a virtue, and by calling a child to a virtue, we
support the child in their spiritual development. The development of
spiritual qualities in individuals is the foundation of a peaceful
world.
Another purpose of Baha'i education is to foster in students the
understanding that no matter what religion one has, we all worship
the same God, only the name and form of worship differ. A
fundamental principle of the Baha'i Faith is the belief in the
oneness of religion - that is, not only do we respect all religions
but believe they are all fundamentally related. The students learn
that the world's religions are like chapters of one book. The
students gain understandings of the major religions of the world
from a Baha'i perspective, such as indigenous spirituality,
Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and understand how they
connect with each other. The teaching of virtues is like a golden
thread of commonality that runs through them all.
One of the fundamental principles of Baha'i education is to
facilitate the development of the capacity to think, independently
and objectively, and actively seek truth by this means. Thus Baha'i
education does not seek to convert or indoctrinate. Students are
encouraged to question and explore.
In addition Baha'i education classes attempt to develop within the
students the knowledge, skills, understandings and attitudes
required to be world citizens and to embrace the equality of all
people regardless of race, religion, nation, class or gender. Students participating in Baha'i education classes explore ways in
which they may be able to contribute to society and serve humanity.
Baha'i education classes in state schools are based on the
teachings of Baha'u'llah, the founder of the Baha'i Faith, are
open to all students regardless of their cultural or religious
background, subject to parental approval and are offered in a spirit of service as a
contribution to spiritual and moral education in the Australian
community.
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Kidz 4 Peace
Kidz 4 Peace is a socio-economic development project sponsored by
the Baha'i community. In a child-centred environment a culture
of learning about peace is created where virtues are used as
tools for creating peace at the grass-roots level.
These
events give children an active role in learning about peace
through the use of the arts, crafts, dance, drama and singing
with creativity and action.
Please contact Fresia on (02) 4297 4778
This website is sponsored by The
Local Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Shellharbour, NSW,
Australia.
Send E-mail to
shellharbour@nsw.bahai.org.au Last modified: July 2008 |
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