On Children: Ecuador and China compared

These Bahá’í children are of such great importance to the future. They will live in times, and have to meet problems, which never faced their elders. And the Cause alone can equip them to properly serve the needs of a future, war-weary, disillusioned, unhappy humanity. So their task will be very great and a very responsible one, and too much care cannot be devoted to their upbringing and preparation.
(From a letter dated 11 January 1942 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer)

http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/c/BE/be-125.html#pg51

Justin has spent time in China and lives in Ecuador. He offers a perspective on children that takes into account differences between the two countries. -gw

This week I have been totally demoralized by the collapse of multiple schools in China, and the loss of so many children.Here in Ecuador children are overabundant and can be seen and felt everywhere in great moving masses. Although I often wish I could stop them from growing up so fast so that somebody could provide better care and education for so many of them, seeing their laughing faces as they move to and from school still brings a sense of security and joy. Not being able to see or feel hardly any of them while in China caused a lasting impression on me. The society felt all grown up and mature on one hand and futureless and somber on the other. This must make the current tragedy all the more unbearable.

http://iguanajournal.blogspot.com/

“Photo: Leaves of One Tree Baha’i Class,” Uploaded on February 2, 2008
by Baha’i Views / Flitzy Phoebie on flickr, Creative Commons licensed

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