Your Country Needs You! (Part 2)

24-25 March 2012

We took the next step of the journey…

A motivating and inspiring weekend was had by all who attended.

Leading on nicely from our first weekend, young people came from all over the country.

Ahtsham Ali held a session called ‘Gender Relations’ which looked at some commonly used hadeeth that are often misused.  He reminded us how we must use our intellect and question, look at text but ensuring it is linked with time and place and in context. In his usual relaxed but informative style, the young people were given hadeeth to look at in detail and discuss.  They were left with their minds buzzing and saying they want to find out more on this in future programmes and the young women particularly said that these issues effect them on a daily basis whether it be at home or at university.

Oussama Mezoui, Campaigns Manager from MADE in Europe introduced the students to MADE’s recent ‘Toolkit’ which gives practical tips and advice on campaigning.  He motivated the audience by reminding us that campaigning is ‘the only thing that has ever worked’ and he linked that back to the Prophet and how he worked with different people and at different levels of society.

Dilwar Hussain, ISB’s President, showed some powerful images that are commonly seen and associated with Muslims on our TV’s and in newspapers.  He discussed ISB’S approach, how can we work with Muslims and with other colleagues in all parts of society to redress this balance and show a positive and pro-active message, the one we know the Prophet taught and lived by when he was alive.

Shahid Akmal, trainer,  gave the participants lots of food for thought, encouraging them to look at their own personalities, how they relate to others, how communication is so important and can be affected by many aspects in a persons’ life.  He also gave some practical tips and techniques on how to cope with exam stress and how to remain focused but relaxed and in a positive frame of mind.

Mohammed Sadiq Mamdani, founder of the Muslim Youth Helpline told his powerful and moving story of his journey to setting up the helpline. From a motivated 17 year old who put his life on hold to set up the first helpline in his parents house, to a still young but mature 29 year old who speaks with honesty and passion on issues that many in our community are only just waking up to now.

We also had some ‘The Apprentice’ style competitions and the groups had to devise their own project and their own campaign and pitch that to the expert panels of judges.  Unlike ‘Dragons Den’, there was no large cash investment on the table at Markfield (only chocolate for the winning team!) but it taught them some great skills in developing ideas, putting plans together, thinking quickly (only an hour to plan it all!) and of course working in a team and presenting back to the group.  It was a fun exercise but had a serious side and the young people rose to the challenge very well with some genuinely fantastic ideas.

Mixed with the crucial elements of spiritual reminders, collective prayers and quality time with old friends and chance to make new ones, the participants left feeling motivated and inspired.

The sun shone throughout the weekend and everyone left with batteries recharged and ready to face exams, work and other commitments but with a renewed energy and enthusiasm having spent a brilliant weekend around so many like minded people.

Our next Weekend will be planned for after exams.  Watch this space…..

See here for some photos from the Weekend:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/britislam/sets/72157629670687381/

Feedback….

“Once again, Jazakallah to ISB and all the organisers for another inspirational weekend I feel even more empowered than last time and feel a big change in my way of thinking and communicating. You guys have given me a major confidence boost, Alhamdulilah. Was lovely meeting all the just as inspiring sis and br! Hope we all excel far in life Inshallah” – Aneesah, 18

“After spending so long in a spiritual vacuum, it was so nice to spend a weekend surrounded by beautiful, pious, ambitious muslims. Proper iman shot in the arm. I feel so proud to be part of a faith which focuses so heavily on activism and community involvement. It’s times like this that remind me why I’m a muslim and not anything else. Homies, I feel priviliged to love you for the sake of Allah. No lie” – Mariya, 18

Go to the Facebook event page

You can read about the first event below:

Your Country Needs You! (Part 1)

Students Today, Leaders Tomorrow

80 Students came together from all over the country to part in the first Student Leadership Weekend, in October 2011. The weekend was a mix of workshops, talks, panel discussion and music. It focused around getting the young people to see the important role they play in this country and how they can and should be involved in every aspect of society. Discussion groups were help throughout and seen as a highlight for many of the young people who saw that as a good way to discuss their issues and concerns on a variety of topics in small, mixed gender groups.

Healthy stuff: click here to see photos

Asked to describe the weekend in three words, this is what they said about it:

“Interesting, challenging, engaging”

“Inspiring, educational, thought-provoking”

“Fun, interactive, flexible”

“Bangin’, networking, engaging”

“Mind opening, interactive, reflective”

“Inspirational, educational, ambitious”

“Enjoyable, tiring, inspirational”

“Educational, eye opener, acceptance”

“Awesome, tiring, amazing”

“I HAVE CHANGED!”

“Beneficial, fun, awesomeness”

“Motivated, excited, buzzing”

“Friggin’ Awesome!”

They also said:

“Alhamdulillah it was amazing. Very inspiring and uplifting. U know when you feel down and feel demotivated and lose a sense of direction, well this was the perfect retreat to bring me personally back up to the surface, well for me anyway”. 

“Subhanallah still reminiscing on the fantastic weekend. Jazak’Allah ISB for organising a fantastic event :)”

“Admittedly I came with friends, not knowing what to expect and SubhanAllah I was blown away! This truly was a much-needed fun, unforgettable and inspiring event . JazakAllah khair to all the ISB organisers, the amazing speakers and all the inspirational people I met. May it be a means for us to learn and change ourselves and our world for the better. Ameen”. 

“Jazak Allah ISB, really enjoyed the weekend, inshallah we can have some more in the future, which inshallah will be more longer” 

“The weeekend was awsome !”

“Jazaka’Allah for this amazing event ISB! Truly motivational. I have met some inspirational people Alhamduillah, and learnt so much! May you all be rewarded Insha’Allah! Looking forward to future events” 

“Thank you ISB for putting up such a brilliantly organised, educational and inspiring weekend” 

“Alhumdulillah one of the most inspiring events that I have EVER attended!

Jazakallah Khair for everything that all the hard effort that all the organisers put into making this such a successful event! It has been just an amazing experience!” 

“Alhamdulilah great weekend! Learnt so much and highly motivated to do so much more inshallah! Jazakallah to all the organisers :)”

“Returned from a heart awakening and mind changing programme delivered by ISB/YM mashaAllah! JazaakumAllaahu Khair for making it a memorable event! May we become effective change makers”

“Well, to be perfectly honest, I was a little sceptical about signing up to this thing. I had this image in my mind of it being some kind of Al-Qaida HQ extremist jihad thang, but alhamdulillah, my preconceptions were obliterated. It was inspiring, relevant, and a good kick in the backside. On a side note, I’m glad events like this are being organised- we need ’em! There’s this saying, “the revolution has always been in the hands of the young. The young always inherit the revolution”. Cool story bro, but to create a revolution outside of you, you first have to create a revolution inside of you. This weekend was nail-hit-head in this respect. For honestly- we all know that nothing does zeal, enthusiasm and energy like youth does, and young people are often the most angry- injustice, oppression, corruption, poverty etc riles us. And rightfully so. It’s awesome that we’re being encouraged to channel this restless energy in a productive and positive way, rather than, ya know…getting wasted, or depressed, or high,or wrist-slitty, or riotous, or extreme…. ;)”

“T’was amaziiinnnggggg :)”

“MashAllah was awesome! Can’t wait till the next one!”

“Well done ISB team for organising a great camp :)”