Making a World of a Difference

Hearing Each Other,Working Together

A spiritual response

Cherish Chee

“the transformation which is to occur in the functioning of

society, will certainly depend to a great extent on the effectiveness

of the preparations the youth make for the world they will

inherit.”

“It is extremely difficult to teach the individual and refine his character once puberty is

passed. By then, as experience hath shown, even if every effort

be exerted to modify some tendency of his, it all availeth

nothing.”

Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment

Program

Who are the Junior Youth?

• 11 to 14 year olds

• Transitioning between childhood & adolescence

• Inquisitive, greatly enhanced ability to look beyond outer appearances.

• Has a desire to belong to a group of peers

• Energetic

Why a Junior Youth

Group?

Its primary function is to provide an environment of

mutual support for its members, so they can develop

qualities and patterns of thought and behavior that will characterize them throughout

their lives. Wales, UK

What does a Junior Youth Group do?

•Meet on a weekly basis to study materials designed specifically for 11- 14 year olds based on universal values.

Toronto, Canada

• Discuss and analyze the themes with a trained animator.

USJ 1, Subang Jaya

• Eg: Making an effort and receiving the confirmation from God is a recurring theme explored in the book Breezes of Confirmation.

•Learn to enhance their power of expression. Eg: Arts & crafts, music, drama, sports etc.

Bukit Jalil, SelangorBukit Jalil, SelangorPetaling Jaya

USJ 1, Subang JayaUSJ 1, Subang JayaSan Jose City, PhilippinesSan Jose City, Philippines

“ Each professional was very happy to talk about their

profession and the junior youth asked many questions. The effect

is fantastic as it expands the vision of the junior youth as to

their working options, they gain respect for the professionals and they make plans for the future. Some were especially filled with

happiness when they learned that their parents shared the

same occupation as the professional speaking.” - an Animator from Brazil

• Discuss and plan projects to contribute to the betterment of the neighbourhood they live in.

USJ 1, Subang Jaya

Portia de Gloria, BrazilPortia de Gloria, Brazil

Kiribati, Pacific IslandsKiribati, Pacific IslandsUSJ 1, Subang Jaya

ColumbiaColumbia

• “The worst thing in the village is caste prejudice. People fight because of caste. It seems to me that we need to change this caste prejudice very urgently. We should live together in unity. Here there is fighting for this reason...For example, if someone is of a higher caste and you are of a lower caste, the higher caste people will not let you set foot in their house. But I don’t think this way. I think they have come to my house, so they should sit with me, pray with me. As we read in the [junior youth] books we should live in unity so that all prejudices will come to an end. Having studied this book, people will become educated.”

• Varsha, a junior youth participant (Biharsharif, India)

Q: What kind of world do you want to create?Q: How can you play a part in molding the youth who will inherit the world?

THANK YOU!