The Youth Enrichment Programme

Hearing the news today of the tragic death of a learner at a school in Johannesburg, who was killed by another learner at the same school impressed upon me the urgent need for programmes in schools which will help develop moral values, social skills and spiritual virtues in the learners. One such programme is the Youth Enrichment Programme (YEP) which has been developed by the Bahá'í inspired Royal Falcon Education Initiative in South Africa. The following introduction is taken from RFEI's website.

School is the main frontline institution for most adolescents, at a time when they are making important moral and social choices in their lives. Spending between six and eight hours a day in school, they are exposed to the influence of their teachers, the school curriculum, and their schoolmates. Reports from many parts of the country however, reveal a disturbing picture of the school environment in which they spend so much of their time. Many schools have been affected by AIDS, alcohol and drug abuse, violence, theft, disruptive behaviour and other problems.

It is unfortunate that the schools, where noble characteristics, virtues, knowledge and good citizenship are to be learned, should face such serious challenges. Many parents and educators have now realised that teaching our young people academic subjects alone is not enough. Far too often, the teaching of moral values and life skills has been relegated to a secondary position. It needs to be considered as basic, along with the languages, sciences and other core subjects. It is often argued that moral education should permeate the curriculum, in different subjects, in all that is said and done in the school, rather than be confined to a narrow space in the curriculum. Realistically though, the pressing need now is for a model of developing virtues and social skills which can be readily implemented in schools, and indeed by a variety of youth groups, religious or otherwise.

The Youth Enrichment Programme has been specifically developed to respond to this need, in a way which complements the schools curriculum. YEP is designed to promote knowledge and understanding relevant to life in a multicultural society, and to empower the youth morally, socially and intellectually.

Presently YEP is being used in schools and other institutions in South Africa and neighbouring countries and it is hoped that it will become more widely used in other countries.

For further information about the Youth Enrichment Programme, its objectives and methods, implementation and facilitator training visit the Youth Enrichment Programme website or download the YEP information brochure or by email at info@yep.org.za