This page presents the main features of the programme for the summer school gatherings.
Mr Steven Hall is presenting the keynote address.
Mr Steven Hall dedicated over a decade of service to the Bahá’í community as a member of the Universal House of Justice, from 2010 until 2023. He has written many articles on pertinent Bahá’í topics and presented several talks spanning a broad range of Bahá’í themes. His insightful contributions continue to inspire and educate audiences worldwide.
All speaker presentations and video links will be made available prior to the commencement of regional summer schools.
Please refer to the Resources page to find materials for workshops, children’s classes and junior youth activities.
List of video presentations
Video links to the below presentations will be provided in time for the commencement of regional summer schools.
Day One | Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision for Humanity
Day Two | Building Vibrant Communities
Day Three | A Universal Education System for all Ages
Day Four | Contributing to Social Transformation
Video presentations
The plenary presentation videos on the above topics are intended for viewing collectively as part of the summer school programme. These videos will provide basis for further exploration and reflection by participants in subsequent workshops and reflection sessions. Everyone’s contributions to discussions will be encouraged and welcomed.
Plenary video presentations will highlight key aspects of the vision of Bahá’u’lláh for humanity, the capacity of every individual to contribute to the realisation of this vision, and how communities can release the society-building power of the Faith in ever greater measures in the years ahead.
Day One | Bahá’u’lláh’s Vision for Humanity
(Presented by Mr Stephen Hall, former House of Justice Member)
The primary aim of the presentation (40 minutes) and workshop (50 minutes) is to assist the friends to clarify their understanding of the essential purpose of religion and to reflect on the implications this purpose has for us, both individually and collectively. As such, Mr Hall will touch on the following aspects:
The vision and purpose of religion
- Humanity’s encounter with God over millennia culminating in Bahá’u’lláh’s Revelation
- What Baha’is are currently striving and learning to do throughout the world, in light of the guidance of the House of Justice, and the impact it is having against a backdrop of disintegration and increasing horror.
The capacity of every individual to contribute to the realisation of this vision
- The inherent potential of every individual
- Sustaining the spirit of faith
Relationships
- At the heart of the collective enterprise it is about profound relationships and mutual support
Day Two | Building Vibrant Communities
(Presented by Mr Devon Gundry, South Island Regional Council)
Day Three | A Universal Education System for all Ages
(Presented by Mrs Tala Asaua-Pesa, Institute Board secretary)
Day Four | Contributing to Social Transformation
(Presented by Mrs Jaimee Lolo, Auxiliary Board member)
- Understanding and building Bahá’u’lláh’s vision for humanity, using a
universal educational system
- Becoming more conscious of the social, economic or cultural barriers
that are impeding peoples spiritual and material progress.
- Social transformation – a process of significant and lasting change
within a society or a community, aimed at creating a more just, and
sustainable future through collective efforts taken by individuals or groups
- Education that will ensure we have a befitting answer for the peoples of
the world when they ask us what do the Bahá’ís do to serve Humanity?
- Empowering people as a service to humanity
- Social transformation to meet our material needs and to restore our
spiritual needs