Ramadhan 2001 On Saturday 1st December 2001, a special youth forum was held at Hujjat
Stanmore, titled 'Youth - a problem or a resource'. The targeted audience
was 15 - 30 year olds. Alhamdulilah, the late night two-hour session proved
to be an immense success, with over 60 brothers and 10 sisters attending.
This event was organised to discuss the needs of the youths and how they
perceive their role in the community. In addition, the necessity of a youth
body was put forward with encouraging feedback.
Following a presentation on the World Federation's newly set up Youth Desk,
which aims to establish Youth Bodies under the Jamaats across the world, a
fruitful discussion took place.
Herewith is a summary of the key issues discussed:
- The youth do not feel that they are given enough opportunities to actively
partake in activities, and do not have a voice in the community.
- At the same time, apathy amongst the youth plays a part, whereby they do
not make the most of what has been done for them.
- Lack of events within the community for the youth, which advertently means
youth must go elsewhere for intellectual stimulation.
- Success of youth organisations in other communities. However, Stanmore has
little to show.
- Youth are not prepared to answer questions about their religious beliefs,
especially in the post Madressa/Workshop age category.
- Current lack of representation of youth in decision-making committees
within the community.
- The need for a body to form a communication link between the youth and
elders of the community and to cater for intellectual and religious needs of
the youth.
The comments and unanimous show of hands revealed that there is a strong
requirement for a youth body to exist and serve the community.
What next?
Every point raised by the audience provided an insight into the needs of the
youth. Clearly, a youth body must be formed and have full support of not
only the community at large, but also the youth themselves. Inshallah, a
second meeting is planned to take place on Friday 14th December at 10.30pm
in the ELC. The aim will be to begin making the vision into reality so that
the youth of the community are once again served to their needs. This
meeting will formalise the aims and objectives.
We hope you will be able to attend and contribute to the discussion.
In the meantime, feel free to contact:
Ali Abbas Merali - amerali@aol.com
Zahid Khimji - khimjis@btinternet.com
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