Through a series workshops, seminars, film based discussions and safe-space conversations, this roadshow-style event engages marginalised Muslim youths who may be conflicted in their identity and values and their families.
Who is it for?
Young Muslims aged between 14-25 years of age and their parents or carers.
What is it?
Through a series workshops, seminars, film based discussions and safe-space conversations, this roadshow-style event engages marginalised Muslim youths who may be conflicted in their identity and values and their families.
How long does it take?
The six to 12 week programme can be built around the needs of participants and their families, with the optional addition of a residential weekend.
What it involves?
The programme uses contemporary culture and media, including grime, hip hop and spoken word artists and films, to engage young people in discussions around key thematic issues.
Activities include:
• Safe Spaces – regular grievance reduction workshops independently facilitated to air concerns and develop counter narratives to vulnerabilities faced by young people;
• Parenting Programme – a two-day intensive programme to help parents and wider family support networks identify vulnerability and build resilience within the wider family unit;
• Barbershop – a series of pop-up conversations in contemporary settings where young people can have open, honest discussions about challenging issues without fear of judgement.
• Youth Work Residential – an intensive three or five day residential programme bringing young people and youth practitioners together;
What it achieves?
The programme engages individuals on a number of levels and encourages them to think independently and challenge themselves and their views. Participants gain skills and knowledge in the following areas:
• Critical Thinking Skills – an ability to think critically and confidently about themselves and others;
• Awareness of the Myths About Extremism – a deeper understanding of how people can be drawn towards groups and ideologies;
• Awareness of Counter Narratives – with greater knowledge comes the ability to both identify and challenge persuasive extremist views with their own alternative narratives;
• Increased Self Awareness – increased emotional intelligence and compassionate empathy, specifically in the ability to recognise how beliefs and values directly affect attitudes and behaviour;
• Conflict Resolution Skills – the confidence and capacity to manage and resolve personal, social and political conflicts in a non-violent way;
• Upstanding Neighbourhoods Membership – ongoing support as part of a wider Youth Network with access to other projects for support, advice and information.
What others have said?
“I have to confess to being skeptical at the start of this programme and only wanted to do it to please my parents, but this has been a really worthwhile thing to do and opened my eyes to what it means to be a British Muslim.”