Who we are
The Mona Institute Belgium is a non-profit organization whose aim is to facilitate educational initiatives for children, adolescents, youth, and adults to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills they need to become agents of social change in their own communities.
The Mona Institute Belgium was initiated to respond to the vast potential of children, adolescents and youth to contribute to the advancement of society. The Institute operates throughout several cities in Belgium and it uses educational materials in schools, youth organizations and communities. Through joint reflection and constructive action young people are offered a safe space where they can enhance the power of expression, develop their ability to work with their peers in an environment of unity, read their own social reality, analyze situations, make responsible choices, and engage in acts of service.
The Institute is named after Mona Mahmudnizhad, a 17-year-old girl who was executed in Iran in 1983 because of her efforts to teach children and bring forth the noble qualities latent in them. She drew inspiration from the teachings of the Bahá’í Faith, which include the oneness of humanity, the nobility and inherent potential of every human being, the importance of justice, the equality of women and men, and the need for universal education. Mona was an outstanding example of dedication, service and self-sacrifice for the well-being of humankind.
Programs & Workshops
The Mona Institute Belgium offers educational programs to inspire, foster, and channel individual initiative in young people and adults to work together towards a better world.
Junior Youth Empowerment Program
Since 2005 the junior youth empowerment program has been implemented in neighborhoods and schools throughout the world. It is a value based capacity building program that aims at empowering young people to develop their intellectual and ethical faculties to become positive agents of change within their communities.
Animator Training Program
Throughout the world, across all classes and social groups, there has been a ready response from youth and adults who are invited to examine the forces shaping society and their role in contributing to its constructive transformation through service as ‘animators’ of junior youth groups. Acting as true friends and wise advisors to the junior youth, they commit to regular meetings to accompany these young friends through this critical period of life. The program fosters a space where both the animator and junior youth can build capacity and contribute to community building.
Mercy’s Blessing Workshop
Supported by the European Union and UNICEF, the award-winning short film “Mercy’s Blessing” is a story of selfless love and sacrifice in the midst of social injustice. It highlights the power of the human spirit, the power of choice and the capacity of young people to act courageously, despite great odds in upholding equality and justice.
The film is a powerful tool to raise awareness, particularly among youth. It is assisted by a workshop that offers an interactive exploration based on the movie’s underlying concepts and creates a space for meaningful discussion.
Learn more
Junior Youth Empowerment Program
Falling between the ages of 12-15 and representing a transition from childhood to youth, young adolescents—referred to as “junior youth”—experience rapid physical, intellectual, and emotional changes. This new level of awareness fosters in them an increased interest in profound questions and in their talents and abilities.
Becoming an active promoter of the well-being of their communities is an aim intended for all involved in the program. It’s purpose is to increase solidarity and social integration through youth reflecting on ethical concepts and principles, assessing their needs, and then translating them to concrete action. This includes:
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- striving for intellectual and ethical excellence
- developing an ethical framework that is inclusive
- nurturing an emerging capacity to contribute to positive social change in communities and schools.
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A junior youth group consists of an animator(s) and junior youth, who meet regularly and 1) work through a series of materials; 2) reflect on their community and personal development; 3) devise and carry out acts of service; and 4) incorporate the arts, sports, or other creative activities.
Animator Training Program
The Mona Institute offers training that is cutting edge and gives youth, students, adults and teachers the tools of becoming an animator to assist junior youth to raise their capacities to become agents of social change.
The Institute can provide individual and group training, by regular meetings or more intensive training. The training is not merely arranged to further an individual’s theoretical knowledge. Each course is seen as preparation to concrete action in community building.
Mercy's Blessing Workshop
In a rural village in the heart of Africa a teenage boy has a dream: to get his younger sister and himself out of poverty. But when a twist of fate shatters his hopes, everything seems lost and he is faced with the ultimate choice.
Mercy’s Blessing has won 12 awards in various international film festivals around the world. The movie is also currently used in many countries in awareness campaigns, for example by UNICEF Malawi. The campaign is shaped around the movie and uses it as basis for exploring different concepts that are fundamental to building a materially and morally prosperous society.
Practical Information:
- Language of the movie: Chichewa and English
- Subtitles: Dutch, French and English
- Duration of the film: 30 mins
- Duration of the workshop: +/- 60 mins
- Language(s) of the workshops: Dutch, French and English
Locations
In Belgium, our programs are currently implemented in Brussels, Mechelen and Leuven. If you are interested in bringing them to your area do not hesitate to contact us
Partners
The Mona Institute Belgium is always looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded organizations. If you would like to partner up with us, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Get in touch
Feel free to fill in the following form to request more information.