Summer School 2023: Plans coming to fruition
The host Assemblies of Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Masterton, Christchurch and te Rōpū Kura Raumati have been ardently at work to orchestrate the upcoming summer schools. The careful planning that is going into each one is laying the foundation for events that promise not just to be educational but uplifting and energising. Outlined below are key aspects of the summer schools.
Programme
Summer schools will have three structural elements: keynote video presentations and associated workshops, sessions arranged by the Regional Bahá’í Councils, and sessions created by and for the local community. The themes for the four-day programme closely align with those of the 2022 World Conferences. The overarching aim is to enhance our capacities in several key areas: understanding and sharing Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity, fostering outward-facing and vibrant communities, recognising the centrality of education and training institutes for societal progress, and comprehending how such progress creates opportunities for all to contribute to social transformation.
The keynote video presentations for each day are as follows:
Day One | Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision for Humanity - Mr Steven Hall
Day Two | Building Vibrant Communities - Mr Devon Gundry
Day Three | A Universal Education System for all Ages - Mrs Tautala Asaua-Pesa
Day Four | Contributing to Social Transformation - Ms Jaimee Lolo
Day One | Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity
Mr Steven Hall served as a member of the Universal House of Justice from 2010 until this year. He has written many articles on pertinent Bahá’í topics and presented several talks spanning a broad range of Bahá’í themes. His insightful contributions continue to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
The primary aim of the presentation and workshop is to assist the friends to clarify their understanding of the essential purpose of religion and to reflect on the implications this purpose has for us, both individually and collectively. Below is a brief outline of Mr Hall’s presentation.
The vision and purpose of religion
Humanity’s encounter with God over millennia culminating in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation
What Bahá’ís are currently striving and learning to do throughout the world, in light of the guidance of the House of Justice, and the impact it is having against a backdrop of disintegration and increasing horror.
The capacity of every individual to contribute to the realisation of this vision
The inherent potential of every individual
Sustaining the spirit of faith
Relationships
At the heart of the collective enterprise it is about profound relationships and mutual support.
Arts
Facilitators are encouraged to carefully plan the incorporation of the arts, considering elements like music, spontaneous singing, artistic presentations, and performances related to summer school content. This approach aims to infuse the event with a spirit of joy, and a deeper understanding of the Faith.
Children and junior youth
It is hoped that there will be a vibrant and engaging programme for children and junior youth at our Bahá'í summer schools. These classes aim to nurture spiritual and moral development in our younger participants.
For junior youth, the activities and classes during the summer schools aim to foster a love for learning and promote a sense of purpose and community among our young participants, creating an environment where they can explore their spiritual identity and potential.
Website
A dedicated website has been updated with information to hand regarding our upcoming summer schools. This online hub serves as a resource for friends eager to delve into the programme details, connect with their respective host assemblies if they have any queries, and to access resources, including access to past summer school presentations.
