Antonio Brandi Pereira (photo), known as Toninho, lives in the city of Matão, in the Brazilian state of São Paulo, where he works as a software analyst. He is a volunteer member at a local Spiritist Centre, Comunidade Espírita Cairbar Schutel. He is in charge of the Department for Childhood and Youth, as he explains in the following interview.

Tell us about the experience of coordinating the study groups for young people.

I was very happy to accept the task, but I knew it would demand a great deal of dedication. I feel that the main challenge being able to exert a positive impact on every volunteer at the Spiritist Centre and make sure that everyone remains motivated. All needs to be done with respect and fraternity, of course. After all we are a family.

What are the main problems faced?

The biggest challenge I have is to come up with new proposals to improve a volunteer groups that has been doing this well for so many years. I have tried to emphasize how sublime and special is the task of teaching the Gospel to young people. I tell them that they are on the frontline delivering the message of Jesus. We also need to manage the ideas and suggestions offered by everyone.

What have been your biggest joys working in that field?

It is finding out at the end of the day that we have donner better today than we did yesterday, that we have introduced something new that has worked for those who are there to learn. That fills us with joy, energy and motivation to carry on.

What do you need to do in order to teach children and teenagers effectively?

You can’t simply follow a traditional educational model. You need to keep looking constantly for ways of engaging young Spirits, to educate their feelings and emotions. People need to be able to make sense of the Gospel of Jesus and to find out how to put it into practice. We can use art groups and other activities in the Spiritist Centre, including other study groups, to help achieve that.

What do you think makes a difference in motivating the children as well as their parents?

The last meeting of the year is an individual assessment, when parents give their feedback and tell us what they think needs to improve. That is very important for us to prepare the following year’s courses. The biggest joy for parents is when they see that their children really enjoy coming to the classes. They also enjoy seeing their children performing in the several productions we prepare.

Is there a particular memory from all these years that you would like to highlight?

When I was a child, I didn’t really enjoy going to Gospel study groups in Spiritist Centres. It was strict and we even had to sit tests. I only attended those groups because my parents made me, which I now thank them for. But the times are different now. These days we must persuade young people of the importance of being here. We have a lighter and more engaging methodology, which helps young people understand Spiritism and be grateful for coming in contact with the Teachings at such an early age.

What advice would you give to other groups based on your experience?

Invest and focus on Gospel study groups for young people. Don’t treat them as a recreational activity. Form proper teams, adapt the decoration to the age group, if possible, train the teachers, reassess the work frequently, let people know about the groups, value the work carried out by the young people and get them involved in other activities in the Spiritist Centre.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

We hear so many negative comments these days about our youth. Let’s not allow such negativity to affect the way we think. Let’s rest assured that the message we have with us, the message from the Spirits, will bring about a new era for humankind. Let’s not forget Allan Kardec’s comment on question 798 of The Spirits’ Book, about Spiritism: “It is progressing fast but during the next two or three generations a degree of incredulity will still prevail; only time will destroy it.” It is our duty, as educators, to help disseminate Spiritism. We must, therefore, be well trained and well prepared for that task.