At the beginning of April, the Brighton and Hove Muslim Forum (BHMF) launched a Muslim youth club for boys, held at Brighton Youth Centre in Edward Street.
The club is on Saturdays from 10:30am to 2pm, and gives children a chance to play, and learn about Islam and how to read Arabic. The extensive facilities at the club mean that the children can play games such as football and basketball, under the supervision of volunteers. The club has been spectacularly popular, with the number of members soaring to around forty within the first few weeks. Negotiations are now under way to find a location and supervision for a similar club for girls.
The club was seen as a high priority after many Muslim parents raised concerns at conference organised by The University of Sussex Islamic Society and members of the Muslim Community in Brighton & Hove, on January 17th 2004 at the Old Market Theatre.
Muslim parents were concerned that young Muslim children may have problems at school due to the current political situation and especially after September 11th. Parents felt that children needed to interact with other Muslim children more often so they could build their confidence when interacting with non Muslim children in their neighbourhoods and at school so they will feel part of an ever changing environment.
View the first issue of the club newsletter.
Boys' Youth Club FIRST
Outing
A trip to Spring Barn Farm - Lewes on 4th July 2004