Teaching Institutes:

Teaching Institutes:

— 44 —

This is essentially an activity aimed at deepening the knowledge of the friends to prepare them for active participation in the teaching work. In some countries it may continue to be an activity conducted either in local Bahá’í Centres or possibly housed in hired quarters, like most Summer Schools. However, in other countries, and particularly in mass teaching areas, it may have to be a modest structure acquired or erected in the rural areas where the majority of the believers reside rather than in capital cities, to obviate transportation expenses for those attending.

From a circular letter 14 May 1964 written by the Universal House of Justice to all National Spiritual Assemblies

— 45 —

The material to be taught is prepared ahead of time, presented in simple language, and translated into the vernacular.

The subjects taught usually consist of Bahá’í History, Laws and Teachings and the Administrative Order. Special emphasis is laid upon[pg 43] living the Bahá’í life, the importance of teaching, prayer, fasting, Nineteen Day Feasts, Bahá’í elections, and contribution to the Fund.

Prepared for inclusion with a letter 24 December 1964 written by the Universal
House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala

— 46 —

We are happy to note plans for the Institute, but we feel that it would not be appropriate to issue a certificate for those who have completed the course. Instead, if you can afford it and if you feel it would be suitable you might give those who complete the course a pamphlet or piece of Bahá’í literature with an appropriate inscription.

From a letter 14 July 1965 written by the Universal House of Justice
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean

— 47 —

We have also noted that you intend to give graduation diplomas to the friends who attend the institutes. Your desire to acknowledge devoted attendance at the institutes is most commendable, but we feel it would be preferable in future to give a suitable gift, such as a book, rather than a diploma. From experience in other areas of the world we have learned that such diplomas sometimes are misused by their recipients. For this reason we have discouraged their use.

From a letter 27 October 1965 written by the Universal House
of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Guatemala

— 48 —

Teaching Institutes’ activities may be carried on in the Ḥaẓíratu’l-Quds as long as necessary, but you should keep in mind the goal of eventually acquiring a Teaching Institute elsewhere.

From a letter 22 January 1968 written by the Universal House of Justice
to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands

— 49 —

We greatly appreciate your desire to serve the Cause and at the same time honour the beloved Hand of the Cause and wonder whether more feasible plans would appeal to you. For instance, you might consider establishing a fund to maintain Bahá’í tutors in villages, who would teach not only reading and writing but the elements of the Faith as well. We have always stressed to those National Spiritual Assemblies which establish Teaching Institutes that at the present time such an Institute is a function and not necessarily a building and there are many places where such[pg 44] educational work can be pursued if a number of teachers can be supported. On the other hand, we have no idea of the size of the principal you have in mind for your endowment and wonder whether a very simple school where not only children but adult literary classes could be held, would meet your intention.

From a letter 18 April 1971 to an individual believer