Our project in Slough runs an innovative programme in a local mosque which addresses the parenting needs of Muslim parents in the context of their faith. The project is featured along with three others on a film, produced for Teachers TV as part of their ‘Working with Parents’ series.
Watch the film here.
In 2009 Family Action and Family Links published 'Islamic Values and The Parenting Puzzle'. This groundbreaking booklet demonstrates how the Family Links Nurturing Programme parenting course is in tune with Islamic principles. Together with parents in a mosque in Slough, the booklet has been produced by family and youth development worker Arifa Naeem, of Family Action and Zahida Isfaq, an Islamic counsellor.
Other Muslim religious leaders and academics have also contributed, including Professor Tariq Ramadan who contributes in the foreword:
"“The booklet...is a great work reminding all of us that to be a father, a mother, and to build a family, requires understanding before implementing, explaining before imposing, loving before judging.”
Through listening to the concerns of parents and consulting with religious leaders Arifa was able to reassure them with examples that drew on her own experience that the values of the Parenting Puzzle complemented those of Islam.
"“Parents felt reassured since this was the first time their parenting needs had been incorporated with their religious beliefs. The mosque now not only runs parenting programmes for women, but also for couples.”
Arifa Naeem, Family Action
At the launch Azmat, a mother on the course, said: “I learnt a lot including many practical suggestions on how to deal with challenges parents face in bringing up children.”
‘Islamic Values and the Parenting Puzzle’ retails at £7.50 and needs to be used in conjunction with The Parenting Puzzle. Copies are available from Family Links. For individuals wanting to train to deliver Family Links parenting programme, please contact Jane Green at jane.green@familylinks.org.uk. For team trainings (up to 16 people), contact Rebecca Smith at rebecca.smith@familylinks.org.uk.
Helen Dent, CEO of Family Action said:
"“This is a valuable initiative. Family Action values diversity and wherever possible our staff and volunteers are recruited from the communities they serve. A large number of staff and service users come from Muslim communities. This will be a helpful resource for us in supporting these families, and I’m sure others will find it equally useful.”