Our Programmes
As a community-based organisation, many of our programmes take place in local settings such as homes, schools, and community halls. They are facilitated by youth and adult volunteers who are committed to creating safe, welcoming, and meaningful learning environments. All youth and adult volunteers complete an accreditation training and are police vetted.
Our programmes support children, junior youth, and youth to develop their capacities through learning, reflection, and service.
Together with families and community members, we are learning how to build connected, caring, and resilient communities where everyone can contribute.
Neighbourhood Children's Classes
Children’s Classes are for ages 5–10. Inspired by the Bahá’í teachings, classes are facilitated by youth and adult volunteers who are committed to nurturing children’s character and spiritual development. Through stories, songs, cooperative games, and creative activities, the classes aim to help children cultivate their inherent qualities, such as kindness, truthfulness, justice, and love.
Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme
The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme support young people aged 11–14. Facilitated by animators or mentors (often senior high school students and/or adults), the programme assists junior youth who are navigating the challenges of adolescence, by creating an environment of mutual support and friendship. At the heart of this programme are the junior youth texts that participants engage with, which help them develop their powers of expression, critical thinking skills, and strong moral character. These capacities are then channelled through service projects that the group identifies as a need in their community and takes action to carry out. Social and recreational activities are also a feature of the programme, along with junior youth camps during school holidays.
Youth Leadership Programme
The Youth Leadership Programme is suitable for senior high school students (Years 11–13) who wish to develop their capacity to serve their communities. Using materials from the Ruhi Institute, this grassroots initiative is delivered during school holidays or as a weekly programme during the school term. The programme empowers youth to recognise their ability to contribute to the betterment of their communities and participate in a learning process focused on collective growth and service. Through engaging with the materials, youth develop the knowledge, qualities, skills, abilities and confidence to serve as children’s class teachers, junior youth animators and tutors (who support others in developing their own capacity to serve).
One World School Holiday Programme
This school holiday programme emerged as a service project initiated by a group of junior youth who had completed the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme. Recognising a need for activities for the young children of Pine Hill during the school holidays, they developed the One World Programme.
The One World Programme runs for five days during either the first or second week of the school holidays, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and is led by junior youth and youth. The programme is held at the Pine Hill School Hall in Pine Hill Dunedin.
Junior Youth Camps
Junior Youth Camps are held during the April and September school holidays, providing opportunities for junior youth to deepen friendships, learn together, and enjoy a fun and meaningful camp experience. As the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Programme is offered in communities across the South Island, the April camp often brings together groups from different communities, creating opportunities to build new friendships and learn from one another. The September camp also provides opportunities for groups to reconnect, strengthen existing friendships, and continue learning together.
Community Devotions
Community Devotions are open gatherings that bring people of all ages, backgrounds, and beliefs together in a welcoming and inclusive environment. Inspired by the Bahá’í teachings, these gatherings include prayers and readings from the sacred writings of the world’s religions, followed by thoughtful conversations on themes relevant to our lives, families, and communities. They provide a space to build friendships, foster unity, and strengthen a shared commitment to the well-being of the community.