بِسۡمِ اللهِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِيۡمِ
In recent years, the educational and social outcomes of British Muslim youth, particularly those of Pakistani heritage, have raised significant concerns. This is a proposal for the setting up of widespread mosque-led educational programs as a targeted intervention to address these challenges and foster positive change within the community.
The Current Landscape: A Call for Action
Recent statistics paint a troubling picture of the educational attainment and social outcomes for British Pakistani youth:
- In 2019, the Department for Education reported that only 46.8% of Pakistani pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in English and Maths GCSE, significantly lower than the national average of 64.6%.
- The Office for National Statistics revealed an unemployment rate of 8% for people of Pakistani ethnicity in 2019, almost double the UK average of 4.5%.
- A 2017 Ministry of Justice report showed that individuals of Pakistani origin were overrepresented in the prison population, constituting 2.8% of prisoners despite making up only 1.9% of the general population.
These figures underscore an urgent need for targeted interventions to break the cycle of underachievement and its associated social problems.
Mosques as Catalysts for Change
Mosques, as the heart of Muslim communities, are uniquely positioned to spearhead educational support programs:
- They serve as trusted institutions within the community.
- Most mosques possess the necessary facilities to accommodate educational programs without significant additional investment.
Their central role in community life ensures consistent engagement and participation.
Successful Models: Paving the Way
Several mosques across the UK have already implemented successful educational initiatives:
- Green Lane Mosque in Birmingham and Khizra Mosque in Manchester offer after-school tuition and homework clubs.
- These programs provide crucial support in core subjects such as Mathematics, English, and Science.
The success of these initiatives demonstrates the feasibility and potential impact of mosque-led educational programs. These models can be adapted and replicated in other mosques across the country.
A Call for Widespread Implementation
To address the educational challenges facing British Muslim youth effectively, we propose the development of widespread out-of-school educational programs:
- These initiatives should be spearheaded by local mosques and coordinated by bodies such as local Councils of Mosques.
- Programs should focus on providing crucial support in core subjects: Mathematics, English, and Science.
After-school and weekend tutoring sessions should be established to supplement formal education.
Beyond Financial Considerations
It is crucial to emphasize that these educational programs should not be viewed primarily as revenue streams, nor should mosques seek funding to implement such programs. We need to become self-sufficient, any funding necessarily has strings attached to it. These educational programs should represent vital investments in the community's future. The long-term benefits include:
- Improved academic performance and increased access to higher education
- Enhanced employment prospects and economic stability
- Reduced crime rates and social disengagement
Strengthened community cohesion and positive identity formation
Conclusion
The implementation of robust, community-led educational support programs is not merely a matter of academic improvement—it's a vital step towards addressing broader social challenges facing British Muslims. By leveraging the trusted position and existing infrastructure of mosques, these initiatives can provide targeted support where it's most needed.
As we look to the future, it's clear that the prosperity and integration of the British Muslim community depend on our ability to empower our youth with the educational tools they need to succeed. The time for action is now, and mosques stand ready to lead the way in this crucial endeavour.
Dr. A. Hussain (Feb. 2024)