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YOUTH AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
Press Releases / Media
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28 January 2010
Muslim Aid on 'The Platform'
Initiatives that help to provide direction in the Muslim Community in Britain are rare enough. But more rare are those which offer practical ways to shape a vision for the future. On Friday last week Muslim Aid was proud to be the sole sponsor of one such event run by the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth committee.
The event marked the launch of 'The Platform', a blog which serves as an open internet platform for debate, discourse and discussion. The theme of the upcoming topics is Britain ten years on. It aims at envisioning and structuring progress and in the next six weeks writers from different backgrounds will be asked to submit their musings on issues as varying as civic participation and security.
Mujibul Islam head of the MCB's youth committee was particularly clear about the project stating `Â…we need to provide a vision for the future through discussion'. Other speakers at the launch included Professor Gwen Griffith-Dickson, Director of the Lokahi foundation who reflected that `I do not know what Britain's going to be like in ten years, but I do know you are the one's who are going to be deciding it.'
The evening was topped off with an inspirational speech by Dr Muhammed Abdul Bari, the MCB Chair who provided vision and wisdom for the platform moving forward.
Hamid Azad acting CEO for Muslim Aid said: `We remain committed to supporting initiatives that help to progress communities here in Britain and help to alleviate poverty and suffering across the world. Supporting this project will allow for us to have a direct impact on issues we consider our core area of work namely that of poverty and civic participation.'
Visit the platform here:
http://www.the-platform.org.uk/
[END]
Muslim Aid on 'The Platform'
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22 January 2010
Building Bridges - Denmark
The words 'Denmark' and 'Islam' tend to be closely followed by a rise in blood pressure for most Muslims. But here we have some heart warmingly good news. A group of 30 Danish teenagers came to the UK on a fact finding mission on Islam and Muslims. During their week long tour, they interviewed people at the East London Mosque and London Muslim Centre, had a curry in Brick Lane, took part in a lively question and answer session at the Muslim Council of Britain. Of the visit to the MCB, Mrs Larsen, a teacher in History of Religion, said `it's the first organisation during our visit that we've managed to have a constructive discussion about Muslims. It's been a very educational experience for both students and teachers'. Frederik, one of the students, said: "Our class was very pleasantly surprised with the presentation. No questions were avoided, and we felt comfortable pursuing knowledge about the organization. As Danish students it was especially interesting to us to get an understanding of the Muslim community, which is much better represented in Britain than in Denmark. We were of course very affected by the cartoon-crisis..it was nice to be able to get an understanding of the view of the Muslim community.
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25 January 2010
Crimestoppers attends Muslim Council of Britain's blog launch
The project organised by the MCB's Youth Committee is a new and dynamic youth-led initiative designed to channel the views and opinions of the wider community in a positive and productive way by providing a platform for constructive debate.
Anisa Abouelhassan, Crimestoppers' Asian/Muslim Communities Manager said: `Crimestoppers has contributed a blog article about fighting crime and I feel The Platform is a great opportunity for young people to engage in discussions around a range of issues. Asian/Muslim communities are disproportionally affected by crime both as victims and as perpetrators, so unique and innovative methods to tackle this are very welcome.'
Crimestoppers coverage
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19 January 2010
Mujibul speaks to the Turkish Daily HaberVakit Newspaper
Youth Committee Chair Mujibul Islam spoke in an interview with the Turkish based Daily HaberVaktim Newspaper about his experience working in the MCB and with young British Muslims.
Daily HaberVaktim Article
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17 January 2010
British Muslims: Time to Correct Misperceptions
Mujibul Islam, Chair of MCB Youth Committee writes for Islam Online on misperceptions
Every community has its share of good and bad. In recent years, there have been a number of convictions of some Muslim youth for terrorism-related crimes. We are also sadly aware that our community is overrepresented in the prison population. However, we forget that in the medical and some other professions the Muslim community outdo others. The issue does not have to be black and white.
Crisis of Muslim Youth
The Muslim community's demographic profile shows that young people constitute a great proportion of the community when compared with other age groups. Moreover, they live for the most part in socially and economically deprived neighborhoods, and their parents are likely to be unemployed.
There is a big problem of role models, and young people seem to be polarized within two groups:
1. Those who have managed to break out of this suffocating environment through education and their own willpower
2. Those who have lost hope and ambition and thus spiraled down to become society's rejects
The work of Muslim community activists, like in the Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee, is to provide encouragement and pathways to those young people in the latter group in order to move them to the former group.
Media Misperceptions
But when one sees the depiction of young British Muslims in the media, most often than not it has to do with their extremism and disloyalty to the state, along with other negative connotations one can think of. The message portrayed is blunt: Young Muslims are a liability for the country. A few agenda-driven think tanks and a section of our political class want to make sure that Muslims remain marginalized in society.
British Muslims' Activism
This is far from the truth. The reality is that up and down the country, young British Muslims within their local, regional, and national groups are quietly working away for their communities and building the nation. Many young Muslims have shown themselves to surpass the names that have been attached to them, and to continue with their inherent drive to help others by volunteering their time and their energy for amazing projects. Traveling across the country, I have witnessed the passion and commitment by them to improve the future of young British Muslims and the future of Britain. Furthermore, a Gallup survey showed that 82 percent of British Muslims are loyal to this country. Having strong religious identities does not prevent strong national sentiments.
As a way of showcasing and inspiring excellence, the Young Muslim Beacon Awards was launched by the Youth Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain. In 2008, many projects were submitted to the Award Committee, showing excellence, vision, and action to improve the fortunes of local constituents. Last year, three outstanding projects were selected for their unique commitment to working with young Muslims:
1. The Association of Muslim Researchers (AMR), which worked on strengthening family structures within the Muslim community by carrying out intergenerational work through residents striving to reduce the generation gap
2. The PEACE (participate, activate, communicate, empowerment, and equality) Youth Project, which trains youth workers specifically working with young Muslims.
3. The Federation of Muslim Organizations (FMO), which celebrates the achievements and contributions young Muslims have made locally in Leicester and Leicestershire.
This year's winners included:
The disability charity RADAR for its contribution in training and encouraging young disabled Muslims to take part in civic and community activities. The Leicestershire-based BUILD Development Project working in madrasahs (Muslim community schools) and community centers tackling issues such as crime and substance misuse with boys and girls. The national student body the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) for its sustained work and services over decades to help more than 90,000 Muslim students and to foster community and global leaders such as Dr. Hani Al-Banna (founder of Islamic Relief), Abdullah Gül (president of Turkey), and Dr. Abdullah Naseef (former secretary-general of the Muslim World League). This year, FOSIS helped raise £350,000 for orphans around the world — all of this with a volunteer workforce.
The silent work continues, and the standard continues to be very high. As a judge of the Young Muslim Beacon Awards, I have been humbled by the magnificent work going on across the country with even more excellent submissions of different projects. It is time to recognize and support the great work the organizations dealing with young Muslims do. It is time to make a stand; it is time to stand up and applaud what they have quietly and tirelessly been doing — more importantly, what they will continue to do. Let the real work tell the story rather than the attitudes of the negative press toward all young British Muslims.
British Muslims: Time to Correct Misperceptions - Islam Online
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10 November 2009
MCB on the English Defence League
An Austrian News Channel, ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corp, interviewed Mujibul Islam, Chair of MCB Youth Committee.
The interviewed concerned the English Defence League (EDL) and concerns felt by the British Muslim community in the rise in protests instigated by the EDL across the UK.
Speaking during the interview, Mujibul said `it is regrettable but we must stamp this sort of open Anti-Muslim rhetoric away from our communities for it is deeply damaging to our community relations'.
Mujibul Islam interviewed by ORF Austrian Broadcasting Corporation
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25 May 2009
MCB NEWS
A New Guinness World Record for Gaza
The Muslim Council of Britain would like to congratulate the organisers and participants of the Gaza 100 Run which has created a New Guinness World Record for `the most people running 100 meters in a 12-hour relay.'
The world record, established last night at London's Mile End Stadium, was spearheaded by the IF Charity and is set to raise over £100,000 for Save the Children's Gaza Appeal.
Speaking after the record was set, Ruhul Tarafder who led the event said `it has been inspirational to see so many people turn up and support the people of Gaza. I think we have all been overwhelmed by the level of support we've received from youngsters to politicians. This record will ensure that we never forget the plight of our brothers and sisters in Gaza'.
Supporting the event, Mujibul Islam from the MCB's Youth Committee who was one of the 1,675 participants running at the relay said: `this unique occasion executed by a brilliant group of people has brought together the Muslim community but more importantly, it has put Gaza back on the agenda - enshrined via a Guinness World Record - available for all around the world to take notice of and remember'.
[END]
For more information visit:
www.ifcharity.com/gaza100.html
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22 May 2009
MCB NEWS
MCB Supports the UK's Bid for an Incredible Decade of Sports
The UK's bid to host both the Rugby and Football World Cup has the full backing of the Muslim community.
The Muslim Council of Britain strongly supports the UK's Official Bid to host both the Rugby World Cup in 2015 and the Football World Cup in 2018.
Speaking of both bids, the Chair of MCB's Youth Committee, Mujibul Islam said `if the bids are successful, it will represent an incredible decade of the UK hosting all the biggest sporting events in the world'.
The UK is already hosting the Special Olympics this summer in Leicester and will be hosting the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics in London as well as the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The MCB played a crucial role in London's successful bid for the 2012 Olympics having successfully influenced key Muslim member countries of the International Olympic Committee to back London's bid to host the games.
Commenting further, Mujibul Islam said `sport has always and will always remain to play a significant role in the national life in the UK. It represents the very best of our country'.
The MCB encourages all Muslims throughout the country to actively support and promote our bid to host the Rugby and Football World Cup, which would mark an amazing decade of sports in the UK.
MCB News Article on the UK's Bid to host the Rugby and Football World Cup
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10 December 2008
MCB NEWS
NUS President Meets the Secretary General
Mr. Streeting informed Dr. Bari how much the NUS value its close and continued relations with the MCB.
The President of National Union of Students (NUS) Mr Wes Streeting paid a visit to the MCB office on Monday the 9th December 08 to meet Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari MBE, Secretary General of The Muslim Council of Britain.
Mr Streeting informed Dr Bari how much the NUS value its close and continued relations with the MCB. He also appreciated the pivotal role played by the Federation of Students' Islamic Societies (FOSIS), a national affiliate of the MCB, in the affairs of the NUS.
Dr Bari briefed Mr Streeting regarding the work carried out by the MCB and more importantly it's Youth Committee. He assured the NUS president that MCB Youth Committee will encourage other MCB youth affiliates to work with the NUS on issues that affect Muslims and their fellow students in Higer Education institutions.
Discussion then moved on to practical steps to further improve the partnership between the MCB and the NUS and the importance of empowering Muslim student's and youth organisations at this crucial juncture of our national life.
[END]
For more information contact: admin@mcbyouth.org.uk
MCB News Article on NUS Meeting with the Secretary General
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30 October 2008
PRESS RELEASE
Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008
The Youth Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain presented the Young Muslim Beacons Awards 2008 in Affiliates Youth Conference at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund in Westminster on Wednesday 29th October 08.
Lord Ahmed of Rotherham and Dr Daud Abdullah, Deputy Secretary General of the MCB presented the trophies to the winning Beacon Projects. The Beacons awards aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of three Muslim youth projects and organisations which have made a real and meaningful difference to the lives of young Muslims in their local communities, the country and beyond.
Out of the numerous applications which poured in from all over the country, only three organisations were selected. The awards went to The Federation of Muslim Organisations Youth Awards in Leicester, PEACE in Youth project in London and to the AMR in Preston. All three organisations and projects have distinctively made a real contribution in helping young Muslims to deal with some of the challenges facing the community as well as aiding youngsters to overcome these challenges.
In his keynote speech Dr. Muhammad Abdul Bari, the Secretary General of the MCB highlighted MCB's vision of empowering young Muslims to lead the community and create a better Britain for all.
On receiving the award, Riyaz Layer, from the Federation of Muslim Organisations Youth Awards said `it is an honour to receive this prestigious award from the MCB. We have worked to recognise the work of young Muslims as have the MCB. These awards will inshaAllah (God willing) drive other similar organisations to actively work for the community.'
[END]
For more information contact: admin@mcbyouth.org.uk
All media inquiries, please email: media@mcb.org.uk
For further information please contact the MCB:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk
MCB Press Release on The Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008
Muslim News Article
FMO Press Release
CRIME Article
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28 October 2008
PRESS RELEASE
MCB Youth Committee hosts the Affiliates Day Youth Conference
The Youth Committee of the Muslim Council of Britain is hosting an Affiliates Day Youth Conference on Wednesday 29th October 2008 at the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund in Westminster.
The event which is aimed at bringing together MCB Youth Affiliates and youth groups and projects has attracted delegates from across the UK from Glasgow to London to attend. It will form the beginning of a network of relationships with youth organisations in order to combat the same common challenges that are being confronted by young Muslims up and down the country.
What's more, the highlight of the day will be the presentation ceremony of the Young Muslim Beacons Award 2008. Aimed at recognising and celebrating the achievements of unsung Muslim organisations, the awards will be handed out by Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari MBE and Dr Daud Abdullah, to three organizations which have made a real and lasting difference to the lives of young Muslims in the United Kingdom.
[ENDS]
Notes to Editors:
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK's largest Muslim umbrella body with around 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
Media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Media Office on 0845 26 26 786 or 07956 353 738. Email: media@mcb.org.uk.
Non-media enquiries should be addressed to the MCB Office at The Muslim Council of Britain, PO Box 57330, London E1 2WJ. Tel: 0845 26 26 786 Fax: 0207 247 7079
For further information please contact the MCB:
The Muslim Council of Britain,
PO Box 57330,
London,
E1 2WJ
Tel: 0845 26 26 786
Fax: 0207 247 7079
media@mcb.org.uk
MCB Press Release
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06 October 2008
MCB NEWS
End Child Poverty!
September 4th October 2008 saw thousand's of young people, families, and supporters of the End Child Poverty campaign come together to ensure the government keeps its promise to End Child Poverty by 2010.
The proportion of children living in poverty has grown in the last three decades. The government has two years to ensure its promise to halve Child Poverty and end it by 2010. The End Child Poverty campaign is a comprehensive initiative that ensures the development of children for the future in all aspects of their lives.
Mujibul Islam, Chair of Muslim Council of Britain's Youth Committee was amongst thousands of demonstrators ensuring that this promise was fulfilled. `Thousands of people have gathered at Trafalgar Square. This shows how the public is concerned about the millions of children living under the poverty line and wants to make a real change. It is imperative that we all, regardless of our background, not only support but ensure that the government keeps its promise' he said.
MCB News Article
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09 September 2008
IN THE MEDIA
Live Dialogue with Islam On Line
Mujibul Islam, Chair of the Youth Committee, was invited on a live dialogue with Islam On Line in September during Ramadan to answer questions on the topic of 'Young, British, and Muslim: How Is Your Ramadan?'
Participants from around the globe posed instant question for Mr Islam on the MCB, the Youth Committee and the issues confronting the Muslim youth of the UK.
To view a profile on Mr Islam and the questions and answers from the session click on the following links:
Islam On Line Profile of Mujibul Islam
Islam On Line Q&A with Mujibul Islam
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27th August 2008
MCB NEWS
British Muslims Congratulate Team GB and Look Forward to London 2012
The Muslim Council of Britain pays full tribute to all the British athletes for their spectacular performance and achievements during the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Team GB's efforts have made it the nation's most successful Olympiad team in over a century.
Our focus is now towards London to carry the Olympic flag. Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said, "London won the games on the basis of youth and regeneration and I hope that this will not be forgotten in the lead up to 2012." Dr Bari also said "I am sure that London 2012 will not only put on a spectacular display of British talent, traditions and values, but also leave a lasting legacy to all Londoners, the whole country and indeed the world".
This is a wonderful opportunity for the rest of the country to celebrate British talent and inspire others. Commenting on the Beijing Olympics, Mujibul Islam, chairman of MCB's Youth Committee said "the performance of British athletes over the past two weeks has simply been phenomenal. To see such range of athletes from Chris Hoy to emerging talents such as 14-year-old Tom Daley all do so well is an inspiration to us all. Their achievements will not only move many thousands of young people across the country to compete in sports, but also si gnal a much bigger message that enthusiasm, dedication and perseverance can ultimately lead to success. Our British moment has come, and I hope all will join in the festivities."
Mr Islam added "Beijing has illustrated to all of us that extra investment in sports such as cycling eventually pays dividends. Investment in other sports and grass root initiatives needs to increase or witness the reality of talented youngsters across the country go un-recognized. Host cities are important to the Olympics, but it is the very athletes who make the Olympics what they are."
The MCB who played a significant role in campaigning for London to host the 2012 games back in 2005, hopes that all young people, including young British Muslims, will fully participate in London 2012, not only in the sports, but also through volunteering in the myriad of supporting activities that will take place.
Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is hosting a victory parade through Central London on October 16 to celebrate Team GB's unprecedented medals haul and The Muslim Council of Britain calls upon the Muslim community throughout the country to join in the parade and celebrations for our Olympic heroes.
MCB Press Release on British Olympic Team Success in Beijing 2008
Press Release on London 2012 News Forum
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13 February 2007
PRESS RELEASE
MCB Youth Committee calls to save free bus and tram travel for London's Youth
The London Assembly will vote tomorrow on the Mayor's Budget for London for 2007-2008 including the future of the existing fares concessions that give London's under 18s, who are in full-time education, free bus and tram use.
Choudhury, Chair of MCB Youth Committee said:
'MCB strongly believes the free bus service for those under 18 in full-time education is extremely important for the Capital's young people, especially for those in the disadvantaged inner-city communities. It is a modern progressive policy for a world class city.
'At a time when young people are struggling to stay in education proposal to take away such initiative is really unfortunate. Such concession is of particular assistance to London's Muslim families who tend to be more resource-starved and normally have more than one child in education at any given time. It is also important on safety grounds and enables young people to participate more in the arts and contribute more to community programmes.
We urge all twenty-five London Assembly Members to support free bus and tram use for London's under 18s who are in full-time education.'
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