Focus on character building

THE International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is focusing on character building.

Under its Institute for Higher Education program, ISKCON Fiji held its first Sunday school for children aged five to 13 at Rajendra’s supermarket, in Valelevu, Nasinu.

It focused on spiritual growth and character.

Board member and certified Sunday schoolteacher Dhansri Devi Dass said those in the target group were the right age to mold to become good citizens of the country.

She said the program addressed the drug threat to the younger generation, mental stress, and other social issues.

“In schools, most of the time we focus on the academic aspect of it and tend to forget character building,” she said.

“If their character is strong, they will be strong in all aspects and can withstand challenges.”

A parent, Shirleen Bala, said she was grateful for the opportunity as her child was a very reserved person.

She was hopeful the interaction would make an impact on all children as well as allow them to make new friends.

The Hare Krishna movement is hoping to introduce the initiative to the Western and Northern divisions soon.

It commended the Ministry of Education for helping in reaching out to academic institutions all over the country in the past years and hoped there would be further collaboration in the future.

The program is open to the public and all religions, with free membership and free meals, stationery, and teeshirts sponsored by donors and volunteers.

Programs for adults are also available on Tuesdays.

Picture: JONA KONATACI These youngsters were part of the first ISKCON Sunday school event in Valelevu on Sunday.

Picture: JONA KONATACI Organisers of the event said these children were of the right age to mold to become good citizens of Fiji.

Picture: JONA KONATACI Devika Darshani and Rajnal Prasad assist the children during Sunday school on Sunday.