Sanaya Master –
With only two weeks to go, everyone is thoroughly looking forward to the Sixth World Zoroastrian Youth Congress (WZYC).
Scheduled to be held in the Otahuhu (Auckland) campus of Kings College from December 28, 2015 to January 2, 2016, this Congress not only promises to connect Zoroastrian youth from across the globe on a social and professional level but also aims to inspire delegates to carry on the proud Zoroastrian legacy.
We are very excited to announce that the highly anticipated event plan is now available on the official Congress website: www.6wzyc.co.nz and social media pages.
This event is the first of its kind to take place in New Zealand and as a result has an exciting line-up of youth speakers from across the globe.
They will discuss a number of issues including, ‘The Green Initiative,’ ‘What inspires today’s youth to see no boundaries?’ and ‘Zoroastrian youth and social media networking’ amongst many others.
Delegates would also experience a thrilling list of activities such as the ‘Wet n Wild’ pool party, the ‘City Blitz’ Amazing Race, the ‘Glo’ New Year’s Eve Celebration and the ‘Zoroastrian X-Factor,’ where delegates will compete to claim the title!
The Speakers
The special guest speaker of the event is human rights campaigner, author, International Woman of the Year and champion of the young, Zerbanoo Gifford.
She will be launching her book, ‘An Uncensored Life,’ authored by Auckland-based senior journalist Farida Master at the opening ceremony.
The key note speakers of the event are Jimmy Antia and Jimmy Madon.
Jimmy Antia is an International Security and Development Analyst with experience in Latin America and Southeast Asia. His work experience includes working with the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he focuses on working with other components of the US government to promote resilient and sustainable use of water resources.
Jimmy Madon is the youth coordinator of the World Zoroastrian Organisation (WZO) and the Social Secretary for the Young Zoroastrians of the UK (the youth wing of the Zoroastrian Trust Funds of Europe, ZTFE). He actively helps in organising community events and volunteers to teach at the ‘Young Flames’ religious educational class in London for children and parents
All global Zoroastrians between the ages of 15 and 35 have been invited to attend the Six-day residential Youth Congress that promises to be a thought-provoking and unforgettable event.
Visit: www.6wzyc.co.nz for more details.
Editor’s Note:
Common theme
New Zealand and Zoroastrianism have an important common theme.
New Zealand is known as a clean and green country and Zoroastrianism is recognised as an environmentally conscious religion with its rituals and injunctions that aim to safeguard nature from polluting influences.
In the light of this commonality, ZYNZ has launched the ‘Green Initiative,’ which would form an integral part of the World Zoroastrian Youth Congress. Our aim is to increase the world’s awareness of New Zealand’s pristine environment along with Zoroastrianism’s customs and demonstrate how a combination of the two will make a difference to the world through the younger members of the society.
Zoroastrians in New Zealand
Zoroastrianism is an ancient, Pre-Islamic religion of Persia. As one of the oldest monotheistic religions in the world, its people, referred to as Zoroastrians, are the followers of Prophet Zarathustra, who propagated a religion based on good thoughts, good words and good deeds.
New Zealand is home to one of the smallest migrant Zoroastrian communities, with many of its people members of the Zarathushtrian Association of New Zealand. It was established in 1996 to (a) preserve the cultural identity of Zoroastrians in the multicultural society of New Zealand (b) preserve and advance the tenets of the Zoroastrian religion amongst the members of the association and the Zoroastrian community in New Zealand and (c) make a cultural contribution to New Zealand’s society.
Rapid growth
Over the years, ZANZ has facilitated the integration of newly arrived Zoroastrians into the Zoroastrian community as well as into New Zealand’s society. The Zoroastrian community has grown rapidly in the past decade and it aims to reach out to the wider community of New Zealand and its leadership, in order to firmly establish the important role and contributions of Zoroastrians in New Zealand.
In the past, the non-profit organisation has organised several successful events, including Navroze (New Year), sports competitions and plays. The youth organise Christmas parties, prayer classes and holiday events.
