Establishment of the South East Essex Cultural Centre
In early 2002 I converted to Islam and I realised just how limited resources were to facilitate an individuals learning of Islam. This was a great concern not only to myself but also to many other Muslims. The role Islam plays in today’s world of current affairs is extremely prominent and I was and still am astounded by the lack of information that has been provided to non-Muslims and Muslims alike. I felt it vital that the latest generation be aware of the tenet’s of their faith and its beautiful heritage that has contributed so greatly to our human civilisation in the last 1400 years. I believed therefore that by creating a medium to fulfil this goal it will be a small step to make for greater understanding between cultures and communities in this country.
In October 2003 with the assistance of other equally concerned parents, I began providing Islamic education from my husband’s surgery every Sunday morning. Within a month our numbers increased to the point where larger premises were needed.
We continued our teaching at Buttsbury Junior School on Sunday mornings for 3 hours. With our numbers rapidly increasing the extra space helped immeasurably. We were now able to place students in different classes which in effect also allowed us to introduce more subjects to be taught.
Activities of the SEECC
Islamic History, culture and the Arabic language became the main educational themes of the South East Essex Cultural Centre (SEECC) for the students currently on our register which now stands at 140. Parents from every corner of the South East of Essex bring their children every week to the school for their children to be educated. However, the SEECC has turned not into just a means of educating young Muslims as to the content of their faith but has acted as a platform for dialogue between other faith groups which I firmly believe will build strong bridges that our young generation can take further. For instance, in the Islamic calendar we have two festive occasions. In the last two years on these specific occasions our children present plays on the same themes present in Judaism and Christianity such as Noah’s Ark and The story of Creation. Invited to these productions are local councillors and members of several Christian groups. I am convinced that it is through activities such as this we can generate a greater consciousness amongst adherents to the three great monotheistic faiths that we have more uniting us in our heritage than we do dividing us.
Fundraising
At our events we do a lot of fundraising via various methods such as conducting Auctions with the proceeds going to causes such as the crisis in The Sudan and most recently to aid efforts in Kashmir. The SEECC has established links with fostering agencies and 4 children have been placed with a Muslim family.
Community and Social Role
Though education is of prime concern to the SEECC, as we grew more social issues and problems facing the community came to our attention. Due to social isolation, several young children and even adults are suffering from low self esteem. The SEECC has acted as a strong social support and they have begun to develop greater confidence within themselves.
Progress of the SEECC
Through links with the Children’s Fund the SEECC was viewed as being strategically important to the Essex County Council obtaining Beacon status.
We also developed links with the religious education adviser of Essex. Previously Islam was only taught at key stage 4. However, after discussions with him and after the events of the 7th July 2006, it is being considered that Islam be incorporated at the key stage 2 and 3 level.
We also have our own representative, Sidra Naeem who has been chosen to be on the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE). She was very instrumental in the decision by SACRE to incorporate Islam as a subject within Religious Education in all primary schools in Essex. Sidra is also a member of the Mid Essex Interfaith Forum and has been invited to do a presentation on Islam to non-Muslims at the Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford.
The SEECC was approached by the Chelmsford police to send a representative to talk to the new police recruits on Islam. In addition, our teachers are regularly invited to visit local schools and give presentations on Islam.
Last year four of our senior children passed GCSE Arabic language exam, all at a grade of A star.
In 2005, I was awarded by Islamic Relief a national award for the “Outstanding Achievement for the Educational Project”.
New Families in the area
The SEECC is the first point of contact for all new Muslim families who move into the area.