How everyone’s unique contributions are leading to a more vibrant Tarneit

Families and young people in the neighbourhood of Tarneit, west of Melbourne, are learning how everyone’s unique contributions can lead to the building of a vibrant and prosperous community. 
 
For several years, groups of families of all backgrounds have been coming together to reflect on how to address the spiritual education of young people in the neighbourhood and contribute to the social, material and spiritual needs of the community. 
 
Through a community-building process driven by the Training Institute, the neighbourhood has facilitated the program for the spiritual education of children, the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program, as well as the courses of the Ruhi Training Institute which develop the skills and capacities in individuals to contribute to the advancement of their communities through tangible acts of service.

At Tarneit’s recent school holiday program, which lasted five days and culminated in a children and junior youth festival, mothers, youth, and adults contributed in a variety of ways. While some acted as volunteer facilitators or educators, others provided catering or transport, some assisted with transportation or special workshops, many invited friends and family to come and participate, and others supported with set up and tidy up. 

The international governing body of the Baha’i Faith, the Universal House of Justice, states that: 

According to one of the organisers, it has been particularly beautiful to see families gradually recognise that they each have something unique to contribute to the process – whether that be their skills, talents, time or resources. 

 “What we are seeing is the gradual weaving of a new tapestry of community life – one that reflects values such as justice, generosity, selflessness and equality. It is not dependent on a handful of people doing everything. Rather, everyone is beginning to see that their own contribution, however big or small, has a place.” 

“I think there is a deep longing in the heart of every person to contribute to the betterment of the community in which they live. Even with busy work and family lives, people are finding ways to participate because they feel a sense of ownership and love for the community. And as more families join, we are seeing that spirit of contribution grow and become part of the culture of Tarneit.”

One of the mothers, whose family has been involved in the process for over four years, said she loved how the program was about “building yourself and society”. 

Preparing platters of food and warm chai for the holiday program, she said she enjoyed contributing to the process the best way she knew how.

“Everyone has a different level of giving. You just do your best and that’s it.” 

She said her children attend for the community and the values they are taught through the program, which “is the same in every religion.”

Another mother who had also been part of the program since 2022 said even though she has a ‘back-to-back schedule’ throughout the week, she finds herself wanting to contribute to the program and her community. 

“I want to do this because it feels good and I think the main thing is that I improve myself too while coming here.” 

She said she was grateful the program addressed the spiritual education of her children. 

“I find often as parents we are too busy teaching them to cut their nails, wash their hands, but these (spiritual) basics, we are not teaching them,” she said. 

“I love everything about this program. If my kids were not in it, they would be different.”