Mount Druitt’s youth showcase their true potential 

A new short film is showcasing how the young people of Mount Druitt, a suburb in the west of Sydney, have developed their capacity to serve their community using the Baha’i institute as their driving force. 

Through a series of interviews, the film captures the recent efforts of the youth involved in the Baha’i Ruhi Institute process and how their efforts have contributed to the transformation of themselves and their neighbourhood. 

According to the youth, it is through their active participation in the institute that their view of their community has changed, as has the way in which they perceive the potential in those around them. 

“Before the institute, I viewed Mount Druitt as a really bad area,” says one youth. “Just because of the stereotypes. But after being in the institute for a while, I’ve noticed that a lot of kids in the area have a lot of talent, and the stereotypes don’t actually match up with everyone. 

“I do believe that there are some negative influences in our area but there’s also a lot more positive ones.” 

The Baha’i institute process comprises of educational programs carefully designed by the Baha’i community to address the moral, intellectual and material education of each individual and empower them to contribute towards the society around them. 

Welcoming individuals from all walks of life, the institute aims to build more vibrant and prosperous communities with activities such as children’s classes, junior youth groups, study circles and prayer gatherings acting as the foundation to each community’s spiritual development. 

To find out more about how the young people of Mount Druitt have been using the institute to contribute towards change in their community, watch the video below: 

The Mount Druitt youth also recently attended a two-day seminar to assist them in articulating their noble aspirations, identifying the decisions that will shape the direction of their adult lives, understanding the implications of the teachings of Baha’u’llah, and exploring educational pathways. 

The Broadening Horizons program began in early 2024 as a fortnightly gathering of youth which stemmed out of the local Homework Hangouts tutorial space. After struggling to maintain momentum, the community decided to create the holiday seminar in its stead using material focused on relevant passages from the messages of the Universal House of Justice and the junior youth texts. 

During the seminar, one participant shared that the choices they made set the path for their future. “We need guidance to help us make some of these decisions.” 

Another participant said that among the youth in their neighbourhood there was a lot of love for spiritual education, “but we struggle more with the idea of material education. But from the institute we are now learning that these two aspects of education must go hand in hand.” 

While exploring the theme of marriage and family life, another youth mentioned that “we should take the time to investigate the character of others. Having older families in our neighbourhood who have already gone on this path and hearing about their experiences is helpful.” 

Eleven youth aged between 16 and 21 attended the school holiday seminar over the two days. Held on the grounds of the Sydney Baha’i House of Worship, participants said the environment helped everyone remain aware of the sacredness of the conversations and draw on the spiritual forces of the temple and its surrounds.