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Youth Curriculum on Sikhism
The Sikh Next Door Project |
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Below is information about a new curriculum on Sikhism, developed for junior and senior high students – a good resource for youth programs looking to learn about other faith traditions. Also following are some statistics, FAQ’s and links about Sikhism, the world’s 5th largest religion. The Pluralism Project has compiled a list of over 200 Sikh religious centers for those who may be interested in initiating dialogue. http://www.pluralism.org/directory/results.php?sort=state%2Ccity%2Ctitle&tradition=Sikh The Sikh Next Door is a fun and engaging educational project that introduces 6th through 12th graders to Sikhs, helping dispel the myths behind the turban and beard. Curriculum tools in the Project include a 15-minute video, comprehensive lesson plans, and this website with additional resources. More information at http://www.sikhnextdoor.org/index.html Sikhs by the Numbers Here are just a few figures you might not know about Sikhs. Over 22 millionSikhs worldwide Fifth largest organized religion in the world20 million Sikhs in India 500,000 Sikhs in the U.S. Less than 2% of the population of India 3% of the population of Canada 1469 - birth of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism 1912 - first Sikh gurdwara built in the U.S.in Stockton, California 1956 - Dalip Singh Saund, a Sikh, becomes first Asian American elected to the U.S. House of Representatives Equal rights for men and women in all religious affairs Belief in one God for whole of Universe 1430 pages, length of Sikh Holy Book, Guru Granth Sahib For Students: FAQs Q: Why do Sikhs cover their hair with a turban? A: When the religion was founded over 500 years ago, only wealthy men wore turbans as a sign of status and many kings wore turbans. Since Sikhs have believed in the equality of all people since the creation of their religion, all Sikhs wear the turban as a sign of equality.Q: What does the word "Sikh" mean? A: "Sikh" means student, someone who is supposed to keep learning throughout their lives.Q: When and where did Sikhism begin? A: Sikhism was founded in the fifteenth century in the Punjabregion of South Asia(present-day northwest Indiaand Pakistan).
Web Sites www.allaboutsikhs.com: Gateway to Sikhism: A site that includes information about Sikh history, translation of Sikh scriptures, and news. www.saldef.org: SALDEF is a national non-profit civil rights and educational organization based in Washington, DC. www.sikhs.org: A site providing information about Sikh beliefs and history. www.sikhnet.com: A cyber Sikh community with news and information.
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