Guest Author - Lisa Schaffer-Harris

The recent news of the possible closing of Maxwell International (Baha’i) School reminded me of the sudden, unexpected closure of Landegg International University (originally Landegg Academy) in Wienacht, Switzerland, three years ago. I was looking at their Web site to see if there were any programs planned over the winter break period. It was then that I was shocked to see the announcement of their closure on the Web site.

There was little notice given - just a few weeks. I knew they had students who were studying for Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, and I imagined the negative impact that the school’s closure would have on them. At that time I kept thinking, “How could this happen?” I had no idea they were in financial trouble. I knew they had diversified their program in recent years to include courses of study that were not directly related to the Baha’i Faith; however, it never occurred to me that this might be a last ditch effort for the institution to make itself more viable.

A few weeks ago, I heard the news that Maxwell is closing. Maxwell International School (they dropped the Baha’i portion of the name some time ago) is located at Shawnigan Lake, British Columbia, Canada. The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of Canada has been providing financial support to the school from its inception 19 years ago. The original plan was to support the school with Baha’i funds for a few years until Maxwell became self-sufficient. Unfortunately, that day never came, and the National Spiritual of Canada has determined that it cannot continue bolster the school financially.

Several friends of mine, as well as my sister-in-law were some of the first students to attend the school. I am heartened to learn that there has been an outpouring of support from several alumni as well as other Baha’is to try to save the school; however, there is no guarantee that they will be successful.

There are many Baha’i academic institutions throughout the world, and those who have continued to be successful have been in developing countries where the cost of operating these schools would appear to be much more manageable. Maxwell International School is the only Baha’i academic institution in North America, and it would be tragic if it were to close its doors forever.

For more information, or to make a donation see the Maxwell International School website: www.maxwell.bc.ca