Note: This course is for youth aged 11 to 17 years old. Parental consent is required on registration.

As the world progresses toward the stage of a unified global civilization, it is essential for the youth of today to further cultivate a world embracing vision. Known to Baha’is and friends of the Faith as the perfect example of the teachings and principles of the Baha’i Faith, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the son of Bahá’u’lláh, serves as inspiration of purity of character, enlightened knowledge and love inspired action to mankind. 

As stated by Shoghi Effendi, “He is, and should for all time be regarded, first and foremost, as the Center and Pivot of Bahá’u’lláh’s peerless and all-enfolding Covenant, His most exalted handiwork, the stainless Mirror of His light, the perfect Exemplar of His teachings, the unerring Interpreter of His Word, the embodiment of every Bahá’í ideal, the incarnation of every Bahá’í virtue, the Most Mighty Branch sprung from the Ancient Root, the Limb of the Law of God, the Being “round Whom all names revolve,” the Mainspring of the Oneness of Humanity, the Ensign of the Most Great Peace, the Moon of the Central Orb of this most holy Dispensation—styles and titles that are implicit and find their truest, their highest and fairest expression in the magic name ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.” 

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, The Light to the World, will give an introduction to His life, His words and His actions that will support Youth in their twofold moral purpose of personal transformation and the ability to contribute to the betterment of society through social action and discourses in society. 

Participants will explore ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s journey to the West and engage in reflections on His life and service through a multitude of publications. Ultimately, Youth will be introduced to the Writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, articles and resources sharing His mission and purpose. 

Diverse art projects designed to support learning will be integrated throughout the seminar. Participants will be invited to create and share finished projects in observance of the 100th year of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s passing.

Notes on Video conference sessions and start date:
This seminar will offer regular video conference sessions on Saturdays at 10 am Eastern US Time (GMT-5), starting on Saturday, August 14. You can use the Time Zone Converter to check what time that is in your city. (Enter New York (USA) as the city to convert from.)

The course itself will start on Monday, August 9. Login instructions are included in your confirmation email. Students having difficulties logging in should contact the Registrar at learn@wilmetteinstitute.org.

Other Zoom sessions for youth to meet and work on art projects will be scheduled at times to be determined by the availability of the participants and instructors.