Lets Talk 2008 – Event report
Administrator on February 17th, 2008
“Let’s Talk” was Makkah Masjid’s recent effort to reach out to youth in the Hyde Park and Woodhouse area of Leeds. The aim behind the event was to give youngsters in the Hyde Park area an opportunity to share their views about the challenges they face in their every-day lives, and also to provide a forum for a debate on how best we can encourage greater understanding of Islam in the wider community.
The event proved to be a great success, giving youngsters a platform to air their views about the mosque and their local community. The event helped highlight issues facing Muslim youth and conveyed a message encouraging participation and partnership between mosque elders, youngster and the wider community.
Running through a series of informal workshops, youngsters were able to say what they felt about how the Mosque is run and the services it provides. A wide range of topics were discussed , such as what youngsters like and dislike about their local community, problems such as drugs, and combating the negative stereotypes about Muslim youth , which are becoming increasingly prevalent since the 7/7 bombings. As Ibrahim Arif aged 16 said, “We all need a better understanding of what Islam has to say about living together, Muslims included. We’ve got to be more open to other people and the mosque can help with this”
The day resulted in a number of recommendations to address some of the issues raised, including setting up a permanent youth group at the mosque, providing more education and recreational activities, and making the mosque a welcome place for all.
The organisers of the event hope that the event will serve as an example of the positive role mosques play in the community and demonstrate the real interest young people have in wanting to see their local community thrive. The Imam of Makkah Masjid, Hafiz Asim, concluded the event by saying, “It is clear that young and old share basic concerns, so it is important that we are able to listen to one another and work together for our mosque and the wider community.”
At the conclusion of the event Makkah Masjid’s management committee said that it was delighted to see the youngsters getting involved in this way. The youth event s are important part of the mosque’s ongoing efforts to reach out to the community, promoting inclusiveness and understanding. Makkah Masjid’s other regular programs include school visits, open days, and interfaith work.”
For those interested in Islamic art and artefacts, Makkah Masjid will once again be part of the Leeds wide ‘Treasures Revealed’ inter-faith initiative in early May 2008 . Details of the event will be available in due course.
These pictures are kindly provided by Councillor Penny Ewens. Click here to see more images from the event.
