U.K.: ISLAM AWARENESS WEEK IN WALTHAM FOREST

Islam Awareness Week ( November 27- December 1)
By Megan Reynolds

ISLAM Awareness Week won support from Waltham Forest Council last week as it tied in with the authority's One Community campaign.

This year's Islam Awareness Week is themed One World and aims to highlight the contribution Islam has made to art, architecture, science, culture and society.

The One Community campaign was launched in August after several local Muslims were arrested in connection with an alleged terrorist plot.

During Islam Awareness Week, the council encouraged people to view their own roles in society and think about how they could help shape their community.

A series of events took place across the borough, including talks, debates, and open days at local mosques. The council funded traditional storytelling workshops for children at 250 schools, local displays on the One World theme, and provided local libraries with resources and books about Islam and Islamic architecture.

Cllr Marie Pye, cabinet member for communities and housing, said: "People are out in Selborne Walk, Walthamstow, talking about Islam to the public and that is what we should be doing. We are not expecting people to come to us, we actually go to talk to people."

She said the council would continue to promote cultural and religious events under the One Community campaign to encourage good relationships between diverse ethnic communities in the borough.

Cllr Pye added: "Islam Awareness Week is about engaging with the Muslim community and talking about the really good things Islam has brought to Waltham Forest and brings to Britain. I certainly learned a phenomenal amount about Islam this week."

She became responsible for promoting community cohesion in May, and she said: "It is neighbourliness really; looking out for your neighbours and valuing them.

"We all need to know our neighbours and understand our neighbours' history because the more we understand each other the more we are able to value where we live."

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This really should be called the 'WE SHALL BRAINWASH YOU ABOUT THE GLORIES OF ISLAM WEEK' because they are certainly not making British citizens aware of what islam is really all about...

Pertinent Links:

1) Islam Awareness Week ( November 27- December 1)