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Are we missing out?
The Baha'i Agency for Social and Economic Development - United Kingdom are sure we are. Why?
Let us examine each of these points:
1. In October, 1983 the Universal House of Justice wrote to The Baha'is of the World and in that message we find the following words - "... Baha'u'llah ... repeatedly and variously declared the "progress of the World" and the "development of the nations" as being among the ordinances of God for this day. And later ... the concept of social and economic development is enshrined in the sacred Teachings of our Faith." The House then continued, "Now, ... the process of this development must be incorporated into its (the Community s) regular pursuits ... The key to success is unity in spirit and in action ...our increased activities in the development field (should) be viewed as a reinforcement of the teaching work, as a greater manifestation of faith in action ..."
In April, 1992 the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the UK received a letter from the Office of Social and Economic Development, Haifa (OSED) requesting them to "establish a suitable mechanism in the United Kingdom for accepting funds from non-Baha'i sources" and pointing out that other NSAs had ... been successful in tapping Agency funds to assist in Baha'i development programmes overseas and it is hoped that your Assembly can achieve similar success.
To carry out these wishes of the Universal House of Justice the independent charity, BASED-UK was set up and registered in December 1993.
In the February, 98 issue we published our article on the BAYAN, Honduras project under the title "Historic Achievement" when we announced the grant of (UK Pounds Stirling) 221,000 over five years by HM Government and we stated that we have to make a matching donation for each payment we receive from Government. We appealed for contributions from the UK community to help us to keep our side of the contract. The response has been minimal.
As of November, we have received almost (UK Pounds Stirling) 62,000 from the government Department for Information and Development (DFID) which we were able to match with funds given by Kelloggs and from Canada, but these have now been exhausted. We may be faced with having to turn to Haifa for any shortfall we may need this month (January).
2. As OSED originally asked us to help BAYAN and approved our acceptance of the DFID grant, they have guaranteed to cover any shortfall. However, in a letter to us dated 24th May 98 they wrote among other things: "Indeed, funds from the Baha'i World Centre should be drawn upon as a last resort only, and efforts should be focused on finding alternative funding sources ... It is hoped that BASED-UK will be able to dispel the perception... that social and economic development is marginal to "mainstream" Baha'i concerns, so as to be better able to tap into the rich resources, human and financial, available in that community, for the prosecution of the development work ..."
The real challenge now before us is can we now "tap" those rich resources which Haifa believes are "available" here in the United Kingdom or are we to admit we have failed and call on the Universal House of Justice to give us the matching funds when we next receive the quarterly grant from DFID?
It is known that in the other national communities which have responded to appeals for donations for development projects, the friends have not only been generous and responded with delight but have even increased their overall contributions to their national fund. There is something mysterious about this giving as it brings blessings all round - to those who give, to those who benefit immediately by the project itself and to the home community's financial resources.
Contributions may be made to the Treasurer, BASED-UK, or to the national fund, earmarked "BASED-UK", both c/o Baha'i National Sub Office, Third Floor, Bridge House, 97-101 High Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1DP.
Honduras
The catastrophic flooding in that country has meant that the educational side of BAYAN has been temporarily suspended and their buildings as well as their hospital are being used for relief work in which BASED is also involved. It may mean that the DFID grants for the educational work may be temporarily suspended, but we are in touch with them about this. The BASED Newsletter, sent to all those who are "Friends of BASED" and contributors to our Fund, will give news of developments in this devastated country. Two members of BASED are scheduled to pay an on-site visit at the end of December 1998.
The BASED Structure
Presently the Charity has six Trustees with Dr Iraj Poostchi as Chairman; Philip Hainsworth, Secretary, (Morants Court, Sevenoaks, TN14 6HD); and Ardeshir Laloui, Treasurer Dr Wendi Momen, Hassan Sabri and Professor Gordon Grant are the other Trustees.
The day-to-day work of the Charity is run by an Executive Committee which meets every two months or so and which for the time being has eight members. This membership is under review as a Committee Secretary is urgently needed.
The work of the Committee includes fund-raising from within and from outside the Baha'i community; examining worthy schemes for possible help; producing a Newsletter; running conferences and courses at schools to educate Baha'is and non-Baha'is in the Baha'i teachings on Social and Economic Development; co-operating with other Charities at home and overseas which have like objectives; keeping in touch with the many development activities currently running in the UK, and, of course, maintaining close contact with the running and progress of the major overseas BAYAN project.
Any Baha'i who would like to be considered as Secretary for this Committee, who has an adequate amount of free time and the energy and enthusiasm for development work and is computer literate should get in touch with the Secretary of the Trustees as soon as possible - we are sure that the right person is as eagerly awaiting the chance to serve in this exciting and most worthwhile position as we are to hear of his/her offer.
Appeal for volunteers
The National Properties Department is in the process of compiling a list of volunteer workers to assist with preventative maintenance and repairs of Baha'i properties on a Regional basis throughout the UK. Services would be in two categories: friends who are in the building trade, and professionals who can assist the NPD with supervision work.
As maintenance of properties imposes a weighty burden on the funds, service in this direction would be a tremendous contribution from the friends - donating labour when perhaps donating currency is difficult. To assist volunteers the Department has property record sheets and check inspection lists detailing items, both interior and exterior of premises to be examined bi-annually.
There may be repairs beyond the scope of our volunteer workers, calling for skilled contractors. It would be most helpful therefore if communities would forward a list of recommended contractors within a reasonable radius of their area to execute repairs under supervision.
Members of the Department will be available to guide and advise all delegated volunteers.
If you think you could help or would like further information please contact George Bowers, Tel: 01978-762611.
Moral and spiritual development
Baha'i Women's Support and Development Group
Following on from the "Courage to Action" programme initiated at Acuto by the European Task Force for Women, and the weekend we shared at Stanton Guildhouse last April, some of us met again on 31st October.
Everyone who attended agreed that this session, simple in format, had been deeply enriching. We prayed, we consulted, we shared, we cared, we nurtured. Spiritual growth work that identified the negative influences on our lives enabled us to release them. We shared a lovely lunch and looked at the way forward. It was decided to hold regular monthly sessions of the now called "Baha'i Women's Support and Development group" - to which all women (Baha'is or not) will be welcome - in Wellesbourne (near Stratford on Avon).
We eagerly look forward to sharing this enrichment, this personal and spiritual growth and developing the feminine energy of this wing of humanity. If you would like to attend please call Sylvia Clark, Tel: 01789 841885 for details, maps, help with transport and overnight accommodation if required.
A profile to live by
A glimpse of the Greatest Holy Leaf
Something greater than forgiveness she had shown in meeting the cruelties and strictures in her own life. To be hurt and to forgive is saintly but far beyond this is the power to comprehend and not be hurt. This power she had. The word mazlum, which signifies acceptance without complaint, has come to be associated with her name. She was never known to complain or lament. It was not that she made the best of things, but that she found in everything, even in calamity itself, the germs of enduring wisdom. She did not resist the shocks and upheavals of life and she did not run counter to obstacles. She was never impatient. She was as incapable of impatience as she was of revolt. But this was not so much long-sufferance as it was quiet awareness of the forces that operate in the hours of waiting and inactivity.
Always she moved with the larger rhythm, the wider sweep, toward the ultimate goal. Surely, confidently, she followed the circle of her orbit round the Sun of her existence, in that complete acquiescence, that perfect accord, which underlies faith itself.
taken from "Bahiyyih Khanum", by Marjory Morten
Youth volunteer in Chad
Serene has been with us for nearly three weeks now. This evening we presented her at the Nineteen Day Feast. The chairman of the Assembly introduced her to the community and asked her to say a few words. I know she was a bit intimidated, but she made a valiant effort and gave a lovely introduction... in French! She also led the children and youth in some music that they will be presenting at the proclamation event of the year.
The Baha'i community of Ndjamena, the capital city of Chad, recently bought a piece of property on the edge of the city. With much sacrifice on the part of many very poor people, the community is finally completing a building. As an inauguration project and to introduce the Faith into this new area, we decided to hold an open house and invite the neighbours to come and see the community in action. This evening we had the dress rehearsal during the social part of the Feast. The difference in the musical presentations after only two weeks of work with the children and youth was spectacular, and everyone was so impressed with the talk Serene gave. They are all extremely enthusiastic about what they can accomplish during her stay with us.
As for our family personally... as Serene may have mentioned, we have a large family. We are now fourteen, so it may be a bit trying for Serene from time to time. But so far she has shown great courage and patience, and is a delight to have with us. She is also a good dancer, and impressed the heck out of the United States Marine Corps at their annual Ball on Saturday night. We helped to show the expatriot community that Baha'is are not a group of religious fanatics who avoid fun as other religious groups do here. We did show that without the use of any other stimulant but our inner joy, we can have a wonderful time and entertain others while doing it.
As music is as wings to lift the spirit, I am sure that Serene's contribution to the life of our community will leave a lasting impression on everyone. I know our children have already taken to Serene and are eager to learn all they can during her stay.
Please pass our appreciation to her family for their sacrifice in allowing and encouraging Serene to serve Baha'u'llah in this far-off land. As pioneers here for many years, we know the confirmations that we constantly receive from Him, but we know that the ones who are left behind feel the sorrow of separation without experiencing the outpouring of blessings that accompany every effort put forth in Baha u llah's path. Be assured of our prayers, and please continue to pray for us and encourage Serene in her efforts in the path of Service.
With much love, Nigel Whitehouse
Here we are in Swaziland ...
Here we are finally in Swaziland and having a great time. The Baha'is are looking after us really well. They keep saying how impressed they've been with all the UK volunteers and with the thorough screening process of the applicants from the YOS desk.
School is keeping us busy, we're taking PE, art, reading, assemblies and singing and dancing all in the same day. It's good to be able to do so many different things and think up new ones for ourselves all the time.
We've joined the Swaziland Baha'i choir and a dance workshop group - "Talisman". This inevitably means travelling the country teaching in villages and experiencing new things constantly.
Thank you so much for all your help, encouragement, e-mails and faxes - we'd never have got here without you, and we're definitely glad we made it.
Tara and Branwen
YOSDesk Team - Sylvia Miley, 97 Waterloo Road, Southport PR8 4QN. Tel/fax:
01704
551514. Esmyr Koomen, tel: 01865 407887 e-mail: yosdesk@koomen.demon.co.uk
http://www.warble.com/Ba
hai/YearOfService
Looking up the pioneers in Zambia
I have just returned from Zambia where I spent three weeks staying with UK pioneers David and Manijeh Smith and their two young children Bayan and Holly. David is one of the Science teachers at Banani School which is an independent international secondary girls boarding school, owned and run by Baha'is in an area 100 km north of the capital, Lusaka. It is named after Musa Banani, Hand of the Cause of God, whom the Guardian called "The Father of Africa".
Like all Baha'i schools, it is striving for excellence in all things. The school buildings stand in several acres of land, surrounded on the periphery by African bushland. Teachers houses, school dormitories, an infant school and the William Masehla Training Institute are all part of the school complex, not forgetting to mention a magnificent swimming pool in the grounds. Mulberry bushes, paw paw and mango trees bear luscious fruit in season.
The school, only a few years old, already has a good reputation and the girls get very good results in the Cambridge Overseas Board examinations each year. Most of the girls are daughters of influential people living in Zambia. Moral Education is necessarily also a very important part of the school's curriculum.
Banani School has areas of farmland in the early stages of development. This is presently managed by Bruce Liggitt who with his wife Simin (who formerly worked for the UK Baha i Publishing Trust) are also pioneers at Banani. It was lovely for me to renew acquaintance with them both and their sweet baby daughter Tajalli.
I was fortunate to be able to attend some sessions at the Training Institute. It was a great opportunity to get to know some of the Zambian Baha'is besides one or two other participants from neighbouring African countries such as Namibia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. When the Africans sing, their rhythm pulls at your heart-strings and stirs the spirit such as few other things can. It is impossible to forget that music is the ladder by which the soul ascends to Heaven. Zambia recently lost its much loved Counsellor Ferydoon Javaheri for service at the International Teaching Committee in Haifa earlier this year but they have a newly appointed Counsellor, Garth Pollock who, when he is not travelling, resides at Banani with his wife Karen.
The school requires more Teachers, in particular Maths, French, Science, Sport, Drama, and Art. There are at the present time both pioneer and local Zambian teachers at Banani but more teachers are needed. Year of Service Youth are particularly helpful at Banani. I met up with many happy pioneers and volunteers both at the school and in Lusaka who come from Canada, the USA, England, Ireland, Australia, Germany, Colombia, Norway, South Africa, Jamaica and Iran. It is apparent that real unity prevails among the Baha'is of Zambia. There are many opportunities for village teaching; just recently some African chieftains accepted the Faith and it seems there are exciting times ahead.
Zambia, formerly Northern Rhodesia until its independence from Britain in 1964, is a landlocked country in central Africa, with an estimated population of six million people. It is the country of explorer David Livingstone who in 1855 was the first European to discover the Victoria Falls on the River Zambezi at the border of Zimbabwe (Southern Rhodesia). The official language is English.
For more information about pioneering or travel teaching in Africa please contact the International Goals Committee.
Thelma Batchelor
Pioneer to Macau
The School of the Nations (Macau) is seeking a coordinator for its primary section. The School of the Nations is a Baha'i school established in 1988 and privately owned by the Bad? Foundation. Applicants should have several years of experience teaching at the primary level, a good understanding of the development of children and the educational content from Primary 1 to Primary 6 (grade 1 - 6), skills for the supervision and training of teachers, and good communication skills for working with parents. Annual salary range is US$20,000 - 23,000. Starting time - as soon as possible).
Interested applicants please send resum?s as soon as possible to: School of the Nations, Rua Luis Gomes, Edif. Lei San 4 Andar, Macau (Via Hong Kong). email: sonmacau@macau.ctm.net
Would those applying direct please inform the International Goals Committee as they can give advice.
Excellent and versatile Travel Teacher at the ready
We would like to introduce Dr Augusto Lopez-Claros a highly qualified economist who has done some wonderful work for the Faith in other parts of Europe and is now resident in London. He is willing to travel teach in any part of the United Kingdom.
From 1992 to 1995 he was the Resident Representative in Moscow for the International Monetary Fund and has written and lectured extensively on a wide range of topics in his field. He has an abiding interest in the growth and development of global interdependence and co-operation and the importance of international institutions in their principal role of promoting and safeguarding human prosperity. He has suggested the following talks for your consideration:-
Global challenges on the eve of the 21st century
Interdependence, co-operation, and the future of humanity
World citizenship and unity: meaning and possibilities?
A new conception of social and economic development
The Baha'i Faith: the emerging global religion
Alternative conceptions of human value
Distinguishing features of the Baha'i religion
The prosperity of humankind
Love as Heaven and Hell
For Baha'i audiences only, suitable for study classes/deepenings.
Aspects of opposition to the Baha'i Faith
Communicating the Baha'i message effectively, or how to attract people to the
Faith
How long to the "lesser peace?"
Spiritual development in the Baha'i community
Augusto would be equally at home speaking to Government officials and intellectuals as he would to the so called man in the street; to organisations such as Chambers of Commerce, Peace Groups, Environmentalists, Universities and Schools. There are so many ways you might utilise this wonderful offer; alone or together with neighbouring communities. In any event, please do not overlook the media possibilities afforded by having someone of this prominence visit your community. If in doubt as to how best to exploit this opportunity, the Baha'i Information Office would be pleased to advise.
Please contact Dr Lopez-Claros directly: Dr Augusto Lopez-Claros, 64
Addison
Road, Flat 1, London W14 8JL
Tel: (H) 0171 371 6022, (W) 0171 260 2389 e-mail: mirta@compuserve.com
As with all Travel Teachers we recommend full consultation in advance so that you know what to expect from the Travel Teacher and vice versa (eg hospitality, publicity, slide projector, flip chart, someone to chair meeting, likely audience etc). Augusto plans to be self-supporting but would appreciate Baha'i hospitality where possible/necessary. If you have been wondering how to proclaim to people of prominence and leaders of thought as called for by the Universal House of Justice, then Augusto could be your man. We look forward to receiving your feedback.
Travel Teacher & Homefront Pioneer Advisory Service
Paul M Booth, 8 Campbell Close, Uckfield, East Sussex TN22 1DR Tel/Fax: 01825
761443 e-mail: TTS@nur.win-uk.net
and/or Rocky Grove, 18 Blakelands Ave,
Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV31 IRJ Tel: 01926 312342 e-mail: TTS@mercia.demon.co.uk