In the Bahá’í view of growth and development, childhood and youth are the best times in life for forming character and developing spiritual qualities, and so it is essential that children learn more than academic subjects. Intellectual training is most effective when balanced with moral education and spiritual development. Bahá’í Children’s Education works toward creating that balance.
In our present-day society, amidst tendencies toward self-gratification, materialism and intergroup conflict; there is a yearning for spiritual values, peace, harmony and justice.
Bahá’í Education classes aim to contribute to the awakening and development of the spiritual nature of every child attending the classes, complementing the academic and physical education provided by schools.
Bahá’í Children’s Education addresses the spiritual and moral aspects of children’s development, to enable them to acquire positive qualities of character and high ideals which are essential for fulfilment in life.
Spiritual truth is universal. The Bahá’í teachings recognize that all of the world’s great religious emanate from the same Divine source and that they share common universal values.
The teachings of Baha’u’llah the founder of the Bahá’í Faith, form the basis of the moral education classes offered by the Bahá’í Community.
These classes run in each neighbourhood (Link it to the “Neighbourhood Children Classes” in below text) and in State schools (Link it to the “The Hills Shire Bahá’í Education in State Schools (BESS)” in text below) as further described below:
Neighbourhood Children Classes
These classes aim to develop the knowledge, skills, understanding and attitudes required for children to be world citizens. They learn to embrace the equality of all people. Stories, music, art and games form an integral part of the curriculum. Students explore ways in which they contribute to society and serve humanity.
These classes run by certified teachers under the Bahá’í and the State Child Protection Policies which include a mandatory police check.
The Hills Shire Bahá’í Education in State Schools (BESS)
In the Hills Shire, Bahá’í classes are offered in four state public schools in 2019 (commonly known as Scripture classes or Special Religious Education). These weekly classes teach about moral values and respect for other cultures and religions, and provide religious instruction to children, who either have Bahá’í parents or parents who are not members of the Bahá’í Faith, but see the value in enrolling their child in BESS. In Australia, nearly 6,000 primary school children attend Bahá’í classes, which are offered in more than 300 state run schools throughout the country.
BESS Classes Focus on Moral Values
Accordance with the Bahá’í belief that all the world’s great religions share the same divine origin and have been revealed progressively to humanity, the approach of Bahá’í Education in State Schools (BESS), as the program is known, includes an introduction to the world’s other great religions. BESS classes also stress the development of moral values as taught in all world religions, such as patience, honesty, and compassion, as well as broad social principles, such as the oneness of humanity, the equality of women, and the promotion of racial and religious tolerance.
Work done by BESS students 
Work done by BESS students
Enrolling Children in BESS classes
BESS classes are open to all children, subject to parental request and class availability. As stated above, all children’s class teachers are certified under the Child Protection Policy which includes a mandatory police check.
Parents who would like to enrol their child in a BESS class should contact their school or The Hills Shire Bahá’í Community who can provide more information about enrolment.
Curriculum
Bahá’í Children’s Education is based on the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith and focuses on the knowledge of the love of God, on promoting unity and spiritual happiness, and on personal virtues such as honesty, love, trustworthiness, kindness and cooperation with others.
The principle of the oneness of humanity in particular emphasizes freedom from prejudice and enables children to appreciate the diversity of the human race. Stories, music, games and art activities as well as prayer, are integral parts of the classes.
Availability
If you are interested to receive information, please use the following contact details and relevant information will be sent to you.
Please contact The Hills Shire Bahá’i Community by email, or by calling the Secretary, Mrs Azita Ansari, on 0407 201 722.
Bahá’i National Office, Tel (02) 9998 9221 / (02) 9998 9222 / 1800 224 247, Or visit www.bahai.org.au