The program is organised around the concept of a junior youth group which meets regularly to engage in the various activities of the program. The nature of the group is one in which the junior youth take ownership as they consult with one another, build unity and support one another. The atmosphere of the group meetings is joyous, friendly, intimate and free of censure or ridicule.
The group is guided by a trained mentor, known as an ‘animator’. The animator is a true friend who helps the junior youth to create this environment and accompanies them throughout the duration of the program. In most cases, those who volunteer as animators are between the ages of 17 to 25. However, anyone 16 or older is encouraged to offer their services as an animator. In an increasing number of communities, secondary schools collaborate with intermediates within the same Community of Learning to establish the program. In this case, a pool of animators are recruited from the senior students each year to work with junior youth groups for year 7 to 10 students.
A junior youth group will meet once or twice weekly after school, depending on local circumstances. Some of the activities that the group will participate in include the exploration of moral concepts through the study of texts which make up the program curriculum, complimentary arts and crafts, sporting activities and recreation, and the designing and implementing of community service projects.
The Program aims to provide junior youth with a profound understanding of their own potential and how it can be channelled towards selfless service to society. It seeks to:
Enhance participant’s power of expression, use of language, and comprehension of written and verbal communication.
Develop the capacity of participants to make positive decisions by identifying and applying relevant moral principles to real life situations.
Provide an environment in which junior youth feel comfortable to express themselves openly, explore complex questions which challenge them and draw on the support of true friends.
Develop in participants a passion for learning and a strong sense of purpose to fulfil their own potential in order to help contribute to improving the conditions of their community.