October 2004
Islam pack will aid education

Recorder, Thursday, October 21, 2004

SCHOOLS in Redbridge have welcomed a landmark initiative to boost people’s knowledge of Islam.

The Muslim Council of Britain has launched a package of aids for teachers about the Islamic faith.

It comes after the organisation was contacted by a number of religious education teachers who didn’t know where to look for relevant teaching guides.

Now schools can pay £125 for a stack of books, CDs and videos to steer teachers of seven to 11- year-olds in the right direction.

Kevin Baskill, new headteacher of Christchurch Primary School in Wellesley Road, Ilford, said he was keen to see the pack.

He said: "We have good links with our local mosque. I have yet to talk to teachers about resources, but I’m aware the culture of the school is such that it’s open to looking at all information."

Someera Butt, headteacher of independent Muslim school Al-Noor, in Green Lane, Goodmayes, said: "This initiative is long overdue and very welcome. We’re happy the MCB has taken this step to help children and schools learn about Islam accurately with engaging resources."

Andrew Morrish, headteacher of Uphall Primary School in Uphall Road, Ilford, also welcomed the pack - but not its price tag.

He said: "If it’s high quality, we welcome it, but I don’t think we need to spend that much money because we are experienced at providing for our children."

Inayat Bunglawala, secretary of the Ilford branch of the Islamic society of Britain, and spokesman for the Muslim Council of Britain, said: "Islam is never far from the headlines, but there’s actually very little known about what the faith actually stands for. This will help young people understand the faith"