Strive
Our Programs

Junior Youth
Empowerment Program

The Junior Youth Empowerment Program engages young people aged 11 to 14 in neighborhood-based groups that foster intellectual, moral, and social development during a pivotal stage of early adolescence.

Junior youth working together on a community service project
PROGRAM
About the program

Unlocking capacities at a pivotal age

Recognizing the unique potential of this age group, the program provides a structured environment in which junior youth strengthen their powers of expression, deepen their understanding of the world around them, and develop the capacity to contribute to the wellbeing of their communities.

AIMS
Aims

Aims of the program.

  1. Build powers of expression

    The program helps junior youth strengthen literacy and communication while fostering artistic expression, critical thinking, presentation skills, and confidence in sharing their ideas.

  2. Build strong moral foundations

    Through action and reflection, junior youth learn to make thoughtful choices and strengthen decision-making for adulthood.

  3. Navigate positive and negative forces

    Junior youth learn to recognize positive and negative forces in their environment and make conscious choices that benefit themselves and their community.

ELEMENTS
Inside a group

The elements of the program.

Junior youth groups combine study, service, the arts, recreation, and camps. Tap each to learn more.

01 / 05

Study and meaningful conversations

Junior youth study stories filled with meaningful exercises and activities. Through discussion, they sharpen their critical thinking and their ability to express their ideas.

02 / 05

Service projects they design themselves

Junior youth develop their talents by serving their community. They consult, plan, and carry out projects that deepen their understanding of local issues and help them become agents of change.

03 / 05

Artistic and cultural expression

Through music, drama, visual arts, poetry, and dance, junior youth explore their talents, express concepts like unity and cooperation, and bring joy to the whole community.

04 / 05

Games, sports, and recreation

Through cooperative games and team sports, junior youth build lasting friendships and develop qualities like collaboration, resilience, and mutual support.

05 / 05

Monthly camps with other groups

Our monthly day camps offer a weekend experience where junior youth dive deeper into study, service, and creative arts. These extended gatherings strengthen their bonds of friendship, accelerate their personal development, and leave them energized to serve their communities.

ANIMATORS
Accompaniment

Animators

Each group is accompanied by one or two older youth, known as animators, who support the junior youth in a spirit of friendship and mutual learning.

Often in their late teens or early twenties, animators help create an environment of encouragement, discipline, and joy. As they accompany their younger peers, animators also benefit from the opportunity to examine their own goals, capacities, and contributions to community life.

Become an animator
STORY
Testimonials

In their own words

Junior youth and animators share what the program means to them.

Through education children recognize the importance of respecting the interests of others and see as a sacred obligation service to their neighbors.

— Bahá'í Writings

Find a group or become an animator

Contact us to find a junior youth group in your area or to become trained as an animator.

Contact us Back to programs