By Madhava Smullen

 
Students at the ISKCON of New Jersey Sunday School after performing 'The Churning
of the Milk Ocean' drama based on Srimad Bhagavatam.

ISKCON Sunday School educators, administrators, and youth leaders from all over
North America are set to gather for a Sunday School and Youth Education
Conference at ISKCON Baltimore from May 29th to 31st, to develop a common vision
and share best practices. 

According to the NA Child Protection Office, at least 1,200 children in North America
are enrolled in official ISKCON Sunday Schools every week. Most Sunday Schools are
taught in the temple during the Sunday Feast lecture, when the children need
special engagement; others occur in parents’ homes. 

“Given that around 95% of our children are now educated in public schools, that one
hour of Sunday school per week is one of the major sources of spiritual education for
them,” says Gopika-kanta Dasi, a professional public school teacher who has taught
Sunday Schools at ISKCON of New Jersey for the past eight years. “So it’s of huge
importance.” 

Many temples also have different kinds of youth education programs, from monthly
or weekly sangas, to retreats.