Cluster 1 (which has the temporary name of Belfast and South East) now consists of the old Clusters 1, 2 and 3. This new Cluster has the following statistics: Adult believers: 120Youth: 33Junior Youth: 6Children from Bahá'í families: 14Number of tutors who have completed the sequence of courses: 41
Bearing these facts in mind, the Bahá’í Council has reviewed all the propitious conditions necessary for identifying a cluster's capacity for growth, and has concluded that this new cluster now fulfils all the conditions of an 'A' cluster. The Council has indicated that the Seven Valleys Cluster will be identified as a Priority Cluster. It was not specifically stated as to when this might be implemented. The status and boundaries of the other clusters remain unchanged.
Study Circles:
To help people go through the sequence we have a few study circles which consist of only two people. This approach helps cater to the needs of those who want to complete the sequence but are unable to fit into the timescale of study circles that involve a number of other people or it may be the case that they are only person at that position in the sequence.
This shows the flexibility in which the courses can be offered so that everyone has the opportunity to complete the sequence. As a result of this three more people have been able to complete the sequence, with two others going through the sequence in similar fashion.
There is currently one Book 1 and one Book 2 which have seekers attending. Charles Dunning progress:
We are delighted to announce the start of two new Junior Youth Courses in the Ballybeen Estate, Dundonald on Wednesday 12 April. Interest in the course was stimulated by a Lights of Unity performance in the Community Centre. Considerable ground work had already been done by Nadim Yazdani and Kalim Bartlett from Lights of Unity. The two had been visiting the Community Centre on a regular basis to teach the youth break dancing and beat boxing. As a result they had developed excellent relations with the young people and youth workers in the area and a Junior Youth Course was the natural progression.
A total of seven junior youth aged between eleven and twelve participated. This age group will be studying Breezes of Confirmation. The first class embraced the African setting and characters of the book by using an African Theme. The young people especially enjoyed the range of African instruments that had been brought along and the exotic African fruit that was provided at the break. The animators involved even managed to persuade Afnan to don African attire- quite a sight.
The word is that the junior youth really enjoyed it, are looking forward to the next class, which will take place at the Community Centre on 26 April. One participant was overheard telling their Mum all about it and wants to bring a friend. The Fourth Core Activity is already working its magic. In addition to this, a Junior Youth Course has been taking place over the last month in Markethill, ably animated by Darragh and Navid Agahi with input from some of Lights of Unity members who are now Animator trained. Maryam Roohipur has been shadowing Darragh and assisting with the process. This is an excellent way of gaining experience of and insights into the Fourth Core Activity.
Anyone interested in being trained as a Junior Youth Animator or wishing to start a Junior Youth Class in their area should contact the Junior Youth Co-ordinator Edwina Agahi.
Due to the resounding success of the Spearhead Campaign (youth intensive study) during the summer of 2004, there is going to be another this year. Results from last summer: Book 1: 7 Book 2: 6 Book 3 13 Book 4: 10 Book 6: 7 Book 7: 10 The aim is to get as many of the Northern Ireland youth through the sequence of courses as possible. The tutors will be youth and the arts will be integrated “gracefully” into each course. Each book will take approximately one week of intensive studying, serving, and of course having fun! It will take place in the Hackney House in Dundonald starting with Ruhi Book 1 on Sat 1 July, and finishing with Book 7 on Sun 20 August. If you have not yet completed the sequence and are interested in doing so, please contact Darragh to book a place for the book or books you would like to complete. Remember to book quickly as there are limited spaces for each book, and some will be in very high demand!
As full accommodation and meals will be provided, there will be a miniscule cost of £15 per week.
Note: If you would like to do a book but are only available to do it between certain dates, it may be possible to change the dates of some books if you get in touch quickly!
Darragh Graham – Youth Facilitator
A teacher’s encounter was held for Charles Dunning Cluster on Tuesday 28 March at the home of Patricia Jamshidi. Arjang Agahi attended on behalf of the Training Institute, eight people attended in all. Those present who were already taking children’s classes reported on their activities, however the main discussion centred on the possibility of having a children’s class in the two areas that have been offered Animator Classes, Dee St and Ballybeen Estate. It was decided then and after further consultation between Patricia Jamshidi the Children’s Class Co-ordinator and Edwina Agahi the Junior Youth Co-ordinator that such classes should be offered tentatively by the individuals who have made the original contact with these groups but that it should not jeopardise the focus on getting Animator Classes up and running in these areas.
Rosemary Johnston although having to give up her children’s class is still able to act as resource person for classes in Northern Ireland. It is wonderful that Susie Agahi will be able to take over her class at the end of April. However this highlights an important consideration, the sustainability of our embryonic classes and the need for our Spiritual Assemblies, Assistance and individuals to nurture their development. This ability to work in a united way towards a common goal is a learning curve for our community but when learnt will bring into reality the serried ranks of believers whose cohesive and united efforts will bring this cluster rapidly into a vibrant ‘A’ category.
In Londonderry the numbers attending the classes have increased; because of the need to group by age the classes has been decreased from three to two.
These classes are a precious gift to our community and a way of bringing the healing words of Baha’u’llah to the section of the community that will inherit its future.
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