On the eve of International Day of Friendship, the author examines the potential of youth as vital agents of social transformation, advocating for empowerment through moral and spiritual education alongside traditional schooling. Furthermore, in connection with the approaching International Day of Friendship, the profound impact of sincere friendship on communities and the world at large is explored.
International Youth Day, observed on August 12th, highlighted the immense potential of young people in societal transformation. The Baháʼí international community, in its statement of July 10, 2024, emphasized that 'within the youth of the world lies a vast reservoir of potential for advancing constructive societal transformation. Experience constantly demonstrates that the aspiration for positive change and the capacity to render a significant service to the common good are characteristic traits of youth, regardless of origin or personal circumstances.'
Naturally, there is a need to support youth through education and training to enable them to participate in shaping society at various levels. While educating youth in basic skills, technical abilities, arts, and sciences is important, it is not enough. Since no amount of secular education can compensate for the absence of reliability, honesty, generosity, care for others, and a sense of responsibility.
The Importance of Character Qualities for Stability
According to the Baháʼí international community, character qualities such as those mentioned above are the foundation of a stable social order. For this reason, the ability of youth to improve their communities has been significantly enhanced through Baháʼí programs that help them apply constructive moral and ethical principles in practice to advance both personal growth and social transformation. Participation in such education has helped youth protect themselves from forces that might manipulate their self-awareness according to the private interests of others.
Moral and spiritual education programs conducted by Baháʼí communities aim to strengthen the conviction of youth 'of what they can become and what societies they can create—the conviction that a peaceful and just world is possible, for instance, that deep changes for the betterment of society can be consciously advanced, and that the capacity for nobility is inherent in the human spirit. The practical application of such ideals is studied through the study of educational materials, discussion of key concepts, and acts of practical service.'
To act in the long-term interests of humanity, youth must develop awareness and recognition of the fundamental unity of the human family. From an early age, they should be taught to look beyond barriers of race, ethnicity, and nationality, to view all of humanity as members of one human family, and to treat everyone justly.
Youth needs to be empowered to express the gifts and abilities bestowed upon them by God in service to humanity. It is through serving others that they can help bring about societal transformation.
The Baháʼí viewpoint is that 'selfless service to society is an opportunity both for personal growth and for enhancing the capacity to contribute to social progress.' Service gives life meaning, purpose, and impetus, helping to shift life from being predominantly egocentric to being based on sharing and caring for others.
Empowering youth for societal transformation requires providing them with moral and spiritual education in addition to secular education, as well as embracing the unity of humanity and service to their community and human family.