Tutorial school

From Lights of Guidance (to categorize)

The Importance of Establishing Tutorial Schools

"The importance of establishing such schools has repeatedly been emphasized by the House of Justice. They not only are instruments for the immediate consolidation of Bahá’í communities and neighbourhood areas, but also serve to train Bahá’í children and youth in rendering services to the Faith and demonstrate the fact that Bahá’ís are engaged in humanitarian services to the community at large. By their establishment, Bahá’ís and non-Bahá’ís alike are assisted. In addition, such schools foster a healthy relationship between Bahá’í communities and institutions, inasmuch as they are called upon to help the communities by providing teachers, facilities, etc. Some of the local friends may be inspired to contribute land and/or building materials for the schools, or may wish to help in their construction."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, January 3, 1983, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1886)

Bahá’í Youth and Young Adults Should be Willing to Become Teachers

"The Universal House of Justice is confident there are literally hundreds of Bahá’í youth and young adults who would willingly and happily become teachers in tutorial schools, especially if the National Spiritual Assembly assured them of adequate wages and secure employment. It may be possible for their salaries to be paid by charging reasonable tuition fees to students attending the schools. This in itself would be a major step in educating new believers to contribute to the Fund, and would help the schools to become self-supporting."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, January 3, 1983, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1887)

School Should be planned By Bahá’ís in Consultation with Non-Bahá’ís

"The establishment of a school is presumably to meet the needs of the Bahá’í and non-Bahá’í community. It should be planned by the Bahá’ís and if advisable, in consultation with the non-Bahá’ís; it should be presented as an effort of the community; the collaboration and the cooperation of all should be invited and assured.

"If adequate manpower is available, it should be managed by the Bahá’í community and its management be responsible to the Local Spiritual Assembly of the locality in which it is situated, or the National Spiritual Assembly."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Uruguay, June 18, 1986, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1888)

A Privately Owned Kindergarten Could Be Considered a Social and Economic Activity for Statistics

"In regard to the kindergarten which belongs to a Bahá’í pioneer family, it could be considered as a private social and economic activity and would be listed as such, although it is clearly recognized that the Bahá’í community does not have any responsibility for the management or operation of such a school.

"The individual initiative of the friends should be carefully nurtured and encouraged so that they may, guided by the spiritual principles of our Faith, arise to fulfil their spiritual responsibilities."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of Uruguay, June 18, 1986, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1889)

Contributions from Non-Bahá’ís for Maintenance of Tutorial Schools

"Your letter… about accepting donations from non-Bahá’ís for the maintenance of tutorial schools has been received, and we have been asked to reply as follows.

"Bahá’ís may receive contributions from non-Bahá’ís for charitable activities whose beneficiaries are non-Bahá’ís as well. However, it is very important to ensure that the acceptance of funds from any source should in no way affect the school's direction and policy."

(From a letter written on behalf of the Universal House of Justice to the National Spiritual Assembly of India, January 13, 1978, in Lights of Guidance, no. 1890)