Of all our treasures, the most precious are our children! Local Bahá'í communities around New Zealand invite all children to join their regular children's classes.

What are the basic themes taught in these classes?

• knowledge of God — the loving Creator of all
• the spiritual nature of all people
• the importance of prayer
• moral and character education
• development of the virtues — the divine qualities within each child
• respect for parents and elders
• the importance of family
• elimination of all prejudice
• celebration of unity in diversity
• the essential oneness of all the world's major religions
• world peace begins with each one of us
• men and women are equal
• service to others is the best way to worship God

Learning to practise the virtues is central to the programme in Bahá'í children's classes.

• Trustworthiness
• Purity
• Friendliness
• Service
• Politeness
• Determination
• Cooperation
• Generosity
• Courtesy
• Courage
• Self-discipline
• Perseverance
• Creativity
• Cleanliness

These are just some of the virtues highlighted in Bahá'í children's classes.

Education must be spiritual as well as material. Spiritual education embodies those virtues or attributes which, when kindled in the hearts and minds of children, not only guide their morals, but also enhance their material education.

We must love and respect people from all religions. All the major religions have sprung from the same Source and all have played their part in God's unfolding guidance to mankind.

The children will learn about the Bahá'í Faith and will study the lives of the Founders of all the world's great Faiths and their basic teachings.

How are Bahá'í children's classes carried out?

The children's class programme is well organised, systematic, and follows a curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of children at different age levels.

Teachers in charge of classes are all approved by the Bahá'í Assembly and all have minimum training. Teachers have assistants to ensure the smooth running of the classes.

Art! Music! Dance! Drama!

All classes endeavour to make use of the arts – especially music and singing.

Homework? Yes! The virtues must be practised every day at home and in the wider community and memorisation of prayers and of other passages is regarded as important.

The Bahá'í teachings put great emphasis on deeds not words.

What about the parents?

Parents are invited to study all the materials and lesson plans in the curriculum. These are available for all parents. Parents are also very welcome to attend the classes and to assist the teachers with supervision.

Are there any costs?

There are no course fees but there may be a small charge to cover the costs of materials used by the children.

Who can I contact to enrol my children and or to find out more about these classes?

Many local Bahá'í communities around New Zealand hold children's classes. To get in touch with the community nearest you, please see Contacts.

If you are a visitor to this website from another country, please see the Bahá'í World website, for contact details of the Bahá'ís in your country.