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Flora Teckie Correspondent
As parents and teachers it is our privilege and sacred responsibility to educate our children intellectually and spiritually, support them through the life’s challenges, and help them to turn the tests in life into victories.
“Every child”, according to the Bahá’í Writings, “is potentially light of the world and at the same time its darkness” and “… the aim of an educator is to so train human souls that their angelic aspect may overcome their animal side.”
Children are the custodians of tomorrow and we need to prepare them adequately for the world they will inherit. The atmosphere and conditions we create in our homes have great impact on the material and spiritual welfare and advancement of our children.
Our children have the potential to be good, to do well with their education and to develop spiritual qualities in a loving and caring atmosphere and through proper guidance and discipline.
The training which they first receive at home constitutes the strongest foundation for their future development.
Mothers in particular have a special role to play in the early training and education of children, especially during the first few years of life when the basic values and character of the individual is formed.
The Bahá’í Writings state that “… it is in early childhood that a firm foundation must be laid. While the branch is green and tender it can easily be made straight”.
It is important for a child to grow up in a loving family and in an atmosphere of happiness, love and understanding, and in a home environment enhanced by our love for God and motivation to follow His teachings.
Features of a balanced education
Bahá’ís view education as a means for the discovery and the perfection of one’s capabilities and for instilling a commitment to serve the best interests of the community and the world as a whole.
These two goals of education are very closely linked because the development of talents and capacities generates the power to transform our communities, while service provides the channel.
Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Bahá’í Faith states: “Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom”.
Accordingly, the aim of education should be the discovery and perfection of God-given potential, talents and capacities of our children and to enable them to serve the best interests of humanity.
When children learn, through education, to serve the best interests of their family, their community and humanity, then education contributes not only to individual growth, but also towards transformation in society and it becomes an instrument for the creation of just, peaceful and harmonious communities.
A balanced education combining intellectual and spiritual education is the most effective way to shape the values, attitudes, behaviours and skills of our children.
“Bahá’u’lláh considered education as one of the most fundamental factors of a true civilisation.
“This education, however, in order to be adequate and fruitful, should be comprehensive in nature and should take into consideration not only the physical and the intellectual side of man but also his spiritual and ethical aspects”.
The Bahá’í Writings state that “The source of all learning is the knowledge of God, exalted be His Glory” and “schools must first train the children in the principles of religion … but this in such a measure that it may not injure the children by resulting in ignorant fanaticism and bigotry”.
Guiding children to function effectively in an integrated world
The kind of education we provide to our children should make it possible for them to function effectively in an integrated world.
It should be the type of education which will enable them to live in harmony and peace, in an atmosphere of understanding, dialogue and respect for others.
We need to cultivate in our children tolerance, love, brotherhood and a belief in the oneness of humanity, compassion, understanding, sacrifice, humility, and an active commitment to justice.
We also need to cultivate in them the capacity to participate in their own development and to be collaborators in the development of their communities.
Children must be encouraged to investigate for themselves all matters, rather than imitating others.
This will help them learn to participate in their own development and will protect them from prejudices and preconceptions — carried from one generation to the next – that are the main causes of disunity and division in our communities.
Allowing children to take responsibility and encouraging them in their efforts, will help them to become responsible and confident — both very important virtues our children need to develop.
Children must be patiently trained through academic education and spiritual guidance.
They should be taught about oneness of humanity, the need to consider all human race as members of one family and to be just towards all.
Such guidance and training will enable our children to become instruments in building a peaceful and prosperous world – as the custodians of tomorrow.
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Website: www.bahai.org
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