Our Mission: Building a World Civilization
You and your family are warmly invited to the Welsh Bahá’í Summer School; a school that promises to nurture hearts and to raise spirits through devotion, study and recreation.
The Summer School has been carrying on the divine work of bringing forth jewels from the mine of humanity and it is the hope of Shoghi Effendi and the friends here that those who have been trained in the Summer School will carry on the work in the various localities from which they come…” From a letter dated 21 October 1925 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the Green Acre Summer School, published in “Bahá’í News”, 10 February 1926, p. 3
The programme has been carefully planned to be of interest not only to Bahá’ís but also to those in the wider community who are involved with the issues under study. Building a learning community affects all peoples, all agencies and institutions if we are to achieve human prosperity and well-being. There will be an environment of welcome, support and love for people of all backgrounds to share, learn and grow together.
This year three teams of youth have been responsible for putting together the children, junior youth and youth programmes, which means that all age groups are well provided for with the type of workshop material, discussion groups and leisure activities which appeal to them and suit their needs. The children’s programme has been carefully constructed to provide a safe learning environment combined with ample opportunity for fun activities and we hope everybody will make lots of friends.
Programme
Plenary Session: Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá
The Plenary session will explore the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which is the Charter of the New World Order. This course will run every morning for the duration of the school and consists of a total of five hours study of this fundamental topic.
Adult Courses
There are 5 interactive courses from which summer school participants need to choose one to participate in for the duration of the week.
The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh – a study of the major Writings of Bahá’u’lláh
Shoghi Effendi on World Order – a systematic study of the World Order letters
Science and Religion – an exploration of the relationship between these two great systems of knowledge and the implications of the Bahá’í principle of the harmony between scientific and revealed truth
Developing Distinctive Bahá’í Communities:
o the meaning of community
o the development and maintenance of unity
o building love and fellowship in our communities
o the power of speech and the appropriate use of utterance
o resolving conflict and disunity within our community
Bahá’í Administration and Consultation
o the principles of Bahá’í consultation and decision-making
o the Bahá’í Administrative Order as the “nucleus and pattern” of the future World Order of Bahá’u’lláh
o the nature and importance of Bahá’í elections (including a study of the 25 March 2007 letter of the Universal House of Justice)
Youth programme
Ages 15-17 inclusive
Junior youth programme
Ages 11-14 inclusive
Children’s programme
Ages 7-11 inclusive
Evening entertainment:
This year’s Welsh Summer School will have an exciting and uplifting artistic programme every evening. On Tuesday 26th August, special guest Sarah Perceval will be performing her acclaimed one -woman play, ‘The Passing of Exquisite Music’ by Anne Boyle, about Hand of the Cause Martha Root (the first recorded Bahá’í to set foot in Wales!). There will be ballroom and Latin dancing with rofessionals to show us how it’s done and encourage us to take to the floor. Musical evenings of world music and singing from all over the world with friends from the African and Brazilin communities in Cardiff. Dramatic sketches, classical music recitals.
These programmes are being specially designed to meet the needs of these age groups, details of which will be available on the website closer to the time.
Please note that special conditions apply to bookings for Junior Youth, who will only be accepted on a pre-booked basis. Parents please be aware that are no organised classes or supervision provisions for children under the age of seven.
The evening programme will consist of music, drama, dance performed by hand selected semi-professional groups and individuals.
“Shoghi Effendi feels that the real purpose of these Summer Schools is to deepen the knowledge of the friends. Lectures are very essential for they give a wonderful picture of the subject matter. But is not sufficient to have a picture; the friends should deepen their knowledge and this can be achieved if, together with the lectures, there are study classes and seminar work carried on by the same lecturer. The world is undoubtedly facing a great crisis and the social, economic and political conditions are daily becoming more complex. Should the friends desire to take the lead in informing the world, they should start by educating themselves and understand what the troubles and the problems really are which baffle the minds of men. It is in these Summer Schools that this training should be provided for the friends.” (From a letter written on behalf of the Guardian to an individual believer, January 27th 1932, Baha’i Summer Schools, p.1)
Registration
To register please complete the booking form. Please note that charges are discounted for those booking before 17th July 2008. Unfortunately, forms received after this date will have to pay the non-discounted rate on arrival.
Please note that the absolute latest booking date is the 17th August 2008.
If you wish to pay by Credit Card please call the registrar on either of the above telephone numbers where he will able to securely take your card details.
Should you wish to be in the same flat as your friends or family please state this on the booking form as the Registration Desk will not be able to re-allocate rooms on arrival.
For full details of the school, programme, electronic version of the booking forms, directions, links to the UWIC facilities and menus please see the bottom of this page.
What will you find when you arrive? You will find plenty of people about to help you find your way around. Firstly go to the registration desk with your receipt, collect your key and an usher will take you to your room. After you’ve settled in you can wander over to the registration area, visit the book shop, chat to people, or sit and read through the contents of the programme each day and where everything is. If you are unsure about anything, just ask any member of the organising committee – that is what we are here for. If you have a skill that might be put to good use, or you would like to help in any way, just mention it at the registration desk and if we can utilise you, we will.
The registration desk will be open from 1.00 p.m. onwards on Sunday 24th August, with dinner starting at 6 p.m. The school’s last session will finish at mid morning on Saturday 30th August. Please ensure that you bring your receipt with you and present it at the registration desk upon arrival.
“How wonderful it would be if all the friends could arrange to spend at least a few days in one of these summer schools and take an active part in their development. These centres could attract many souls…” Shoghi Effendi quoted in Lights of Guidance section 1893
School facilities
The school will be located at the University of Wales Institute in Cardiff, a central, easily accessible, self-contained and modern conference facility at the heart of Wales’ first A Cluster. All rooms are with shared facilities, en-suite can be provided at a small extra cost. Bed linen is provided but please bring your own towels. If you like early morning tea, a hot drink during the breaks or a late night drink you will need to bring your own kettle, mug and spoon. There are fridges and cookers and microwaves in every block of 8 rooms. Links to all the UWIC facilities can be found at the bottom of this page.
“If he attends his summer school – and everyone without exception is urged to take advantage of attending it – let him consider such an occasion as a welcome and precious opportunity so to enrich, through lectures, study, and discussion, his knowledge of the fundamentals of his Faith as to be able to transmit, with greater confidence and effectiveness, the Message that has been entrusted to his care.” Shoghi Effendi: The Advent of Divine Justice, Pages: 53-54