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2/Teaching Institutes
44. ‘‘Teaching Institute: 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 con- tinue to be an activity conducted either in local Baha’i Centers 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 letter of The Universal House of Justice
dated 14 May 1964 to All National Spiritual Assemblies)
45. ‘The material to be taught is prepared ahead of time, present- ed in simple language, and translated into the vernacular. . . . ‘The subjects taught usually consist of Baha’i History, Laws
and Teachings,and the Administrative Order. Special emphasis is laid upon living the Baha’i life, the importance of teaching, prayer, fasting, Nineteen Day Feasts, Baha’t elections, and con- tribution to the Fund.”’
(From ‘‘Suggestions on Operation of Teaching
Institutes,’’ enclosure ina letter dated
24 December 1964 from 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 Baha’t literature with an appropriate inscrip-
tion.”’ . . (From a letter of The Universal House of Justice
dated 14 July 1965 to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Indian Ocean)
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47. ‘‘We have also noted that you intend to give graduation diplo- mas to the friends who attend the institutes. Your desire to ac- knowledge devoted attendance at the institutes is most commend- able, 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 oth- er areas of the world we have learned that such diplomas some- times are misused by their recipients. For this reason we have discouraged their use.”’
(From a letter of The Universal House of Justice
dated 27 October 1965 to the National Spiritual
Assembly of Guatemala)
48. ‘‘Teaching Institute activities may be carried on in the
Haziratu’|l-Quds as long as necessary, but you should keep in mind
the goal of eventually acquiring a Teaching Institute elsewhere.’ (From a letter of The Universal House of Justice dated 22 January 1968 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 honor 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 Baha’i 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 nec- essarily a building and there are many places where such educa- tional 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 lit- erary classes could be held, would meet your intention.’
(From a letter of The Universal House of Justice
dated 18 April 1971 to an individual believer)
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