Nurturing Our Youth: One School Visit at a Time

On the 7th of March 2023, a local Primary school (Lawrence View) visited the Karimia Institute in Nottingham. We gave the class and staff a tour around the masjid and the opportunity to experience Zuhr congregational prayer.

The pupils found it “interesting” and “fun”. One of the Muslim pupils had been very excited about the trip as he was able to share his faith with his fellow classmates. The teachers had described his experience as “emotional” as the pupil had taken part in the congregational prayer and involved his friends too.

The visit was arranged as part of the HumanKind (HK) initiative. We gave the class and staff an opportunity to take part in a Q&A session and the HK team was able to answer questions regarding Islam to break down stereotypes and misconceptions. Craig Rutts, an ambassador for HK shared his positive experience as a non-Muslim working with Muslims.

Abby one of the teachers from Lawrence View Primary School expressed her gratitude by saying “Thank you again for a great trip, the children came into school today telling me how much enjoyed it!”

School visits to mosques play a crucial role in promoting inter-faith understanding among students. By allowing students to observe and interact with individuals of different faiths, to build bridges of respect and empathy between different communities. They also provide an opportunity for students to learn about Islam, one of the world’s major religions, and to dispel any misconceptions or stereotypes they may have.

Furthermore, school visits to mosques help to foster a deeper appreciation for diversity and cultural differences and can serve as a powerful tool for promoting social harmony and mutual respect. Overall, these visits can enrich students’ understanding of religion and culture, helping to create a more inclusive and accepting society.

What is HumanKind?

• HumanKind is an innovative project that aims to build trust between the British Muslim community and the wider British public.
• This project is headed by Karimia Institute, a Muslim community organisation based in Nottingham.
• Since 2016, Humankind has been successful in challenging stereotypes and misconceptions about Muslims.

To read more about HumanKind and its activities click HERE.

Through interactive and engaging workshops, the programme connects British Muslims and the general public through empathy, understanding, and quite simply, getting to know one another.

These workshops help reframe how wider society perceives Muslims and directly challenge misconceptions, prejudice and stereotypes.

Why is HumanKind’s work so important?

We live in a continuously polarising world. With fear and hatred creating an ‘us’ vs ‘the’ mentality, interfaith educational organisations are needed now more than ever.

Humankind’s trust-building work has been proven to work in eradicating stigma and building bonds between Muslim and non-Muslim communities, click here to read the published journal titled “Open, honest, passionate and with some humour – Understanding trust building between British Muslims and the wider society.’

Get involved today! To become a HumanKind Ambassador Click Here.