Youth Must Have a Role in Cultural Decision-Making

Shiraz – Fars Provincial Director General of Islamic Propaganda, stressing the need for the new generation to take part in cultural activities, called for giving teenagers a real role in designing programs and making cultural decisions.

Shiraz- Director General of Fars Islamic Propaganda, emphasizing the necessity of participation of the new generation in cultural activities, called for youths to be given a real role in designing cultural programs and decisions.

Hojjat-ul-Islam Wal-Muslimeen Mohammad Baqer Veldan, in a conversation with Mehr reporter, stated that teenagers should be promoted from the position of mere audience to the designer and presenter of the programs, and stated that the slogan "Today's youth, tomorrow's builder" should be turned into a practical approach in cultural activities and the opportunity for effective participation of teenagers in decision-making and implementation of programs should be provided.

Referring to the characteristics of adolescence and the importance of identity formation, intellectual independence and feeling of influence at this age, he added: cultural programs will be effective when they are related to the real needs and issues of teenagers; Otherwise, even costly activities cannot lead to desired results.

The Director General of Fars Islamic Propaganda emphasized the need to distance himself from the ceremonial approach to the youth week and stated: this occasion should not be limited to a series of scattered celebrations and programs, but should be an opportunity to identify the problems of teenagers in the neighborhoods and schools and provide the basis for their participation in solving these issues.

Referring to the capacity of Quranic teachings in strengthening the identity and intellectual independence of the new generation, Hojjat-ul-Islam Valdan considered following the example of the young people of the cave as one of the areas of strengthening faith and self-confidence and said: "Young people are a part of today's society and their role-playing should not be postponed to the future."

He listed the formation of youth ideation groups in the neighborhoods, the implementation of charitable and social activities, the narration of concerns and the introduction of new generation models, the presence of youth representatives in decision-making processes, and the linking of Quranic teachings with daily life as practical solutions to realize this approach.

Assignment of actual liability; The success criteria of Teen Week

The Director General of Fars Islamic Propaganda explained the three implementation axes for the realization of youth participation and stated: In the framework of the plan "Every neighborhood, a group of teenagers", the field for identifying local issues and implementing the ideas of teenagers should be provided. Also, every cultural institution should create a specific opportunity for this age group to be responsible, and the best ideas should be accompanied by executive support.

Emphasizing the necessity of cooperation between education and culture, artistic cultural centers, mosques and popular organizations, he added: a clear division of labor between cultural institutions and institutions can provide the basis for transforming the ideas of teenagers into practical and effective actions.

Hojjatul-Islam Valdan pointed out: In evaluating the youth week programs, the number of events and activities held should not be the main criterion, but the participation of teenagers in designing the programs, the real opportunities given to them and the changes made in their living environment should be taken into consideration.

He considered the ultimate goal of this approach to empower and give identity to the new generation and emphasized: instead of watching cultural activities, teenagers should be partners in designing and implementing them and have the opportunity to make positive changes in schools and neighborhoods with their ideas and actions.