The Yousef Project – Sandwell Muslim Youth Forum is a newly established group of Young Muslims that seek to represent, advocate and lobby on behalf of young Muslim people in Sandwell. The group has been established in conjunction with the YCA, SMBC, Tipton Muslim Centre and Smethwick Pakistani Muslim Association. The group is currently made up of primarily British Arab, Bangladeshi, and Pakistani young people but also seeking representation from young people from other Sandwell Muslim communities.
The Yousef Project derives its name from the inspirational story of the Prophet Yousef / Joseph (Peace be upon him). The prophet Yousef (pbuh) was a young person when God tested him through various trials and tribulations; however his conduct throughout his experience provides today’s young people with a wealth of moral lessons from which they may learn from:
• The belief in the presence of God makes a man’s troubles easier for him to bear, and as long as he keeps himself away from sins despite temptations, he will ultimately be successful.
• Patience in the face of hardship is the best of qualities and results in reward from God in this life and the hereafter.
• The importance of forgiving and forgettingthe past
• The importance of being fair, equitable and just to ALL people.
If you are interested in contributing to the work of the Yousef Project please contact Afrah on 0121 525 3909:
Recently the Yousef Project forum consulted with young Muslims within the borough on the issues that affected them and what debates they would like the forum to organize. A total of 33 questionnaires were completed with the following responses:
• 10 females, 20 males and 3 not specified responded
• Top 3 concerns that young Muslims in the borough expressed were (in number order)
1. Racism/discrimination
2. Unemployment
3. Lack of youth facilities meeting the specific needs of Young Muslims
• Top 3 debates that young Muslims would like the Yousef Project forum to organise were (in number order)
1. Sheesha smoking
2. Islamaphobia
3. (joint 3rd) Islamaphobia & the English Defence League
Watch this space for further developments of the Yousef Project Forum!
Please click here to download the Newsletter – Issue 1 compiled by the Yousef Project
