An evening with Ashima
"We no longer sit around as victims of the Kashmir conflict, we shall stop it”
An inspirational evening with an experienced peace worker in Kashmir. on 06 April at 18:00.
Ashima Kaur works for Athwaas, an organisation which aims to create safe and secure spaces for women to come together in order to make the shift from being victims to possible changemakers in Kashmir.
We will hear further about Ashima’s work and have a conversation with her about how her work links to our situation here in the UK.
Athwaas explains their work:
Since November 2007, we have set up 6 new Samanbals. (Samanbal is a Kashmiri word, meaning ‘a meeting place’) Athwaas came up with the idea to create safe and secure spaces for women to come together and share, articulate and express themselves so as to make the shift from being victims to possible changemakers. These new Samanbals are still in their initial stage of formation i.e. they are still establishing a permanent meeting place. The Samanbals are diverse; we have widows in Dardpora, teachers in Badgam, young women in Bijbehar, migrant group (IDPs) Purkha and Muthee small scale traders in Leh. Each Samanbal works towards group formation and strengthen/capacity building. They choose an activity, which often is income generating due to the high poverty levels in the region. They also pursue a common advocacy strategy.
In Purkha migrant camp 20 women who have been displaced from different villages in the valley came together to form a Samanbal. The camp is made up of displaced Kashmir Pandits. The Samanbal provides a context for the women to share a common space for reflection and listening. They taken up tailoring so as to step beyond the cramped conditions of the camp dominated by hate, revenge and chest thumping. The basic principle in the Samanbal is to share information/experience, start the healing process, and acquire financial independence. They are then empowered to tackle the big issues affecting the region, the conflict in Kashmir.
Includes Kashmiri refreashments.
This event is organised jointly by Conflict and Change, Peace Direct and Muslim Mediation Service.
If you would like more information please contact:
Hanin on 020 8552 2050 at Conflict and Change
Sara/ Halima on 020 8432 2805 at Muslim Mediation Service
To see more details and RSVP, follow the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=507254609&k=54155Y5XP6VM511BUB5UP4
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, January 05, 2009
Confidence and Self-Esteem
Confidence and Self-Esteem were best friends.
They went everywhere together.
If Confidence bought a new dress,
Self-Esteem bought one just like it.
They were very close.
One day a new kid came to their school.
His name was Peer Pressure.
He had a friend called Hateful Words.
They decided to give Confidence a hard time.
They constantly teased her.
They forced her to do terrible things.
It was so terrible that Confidence
lost Self-Esteem.
When Self-Esteem wanted to start some classes,
Confidence said they wouldn't be any good.
Then one day, Peer Pressure introduced
Confidence to Doubt.
He wanted to ruin Confidence,
but Peer Pressure said he couldn't yet.
Self Esteem couldn't understand what
was wrong with Confidence.
Confidence now hung around with Depression,
Low Self-Esteem, and Overeating.
These girls were friends of Peer Pressure.
Self-Esteem no longer had any friends.
She no longer felt good about herself.
She went to see her Imaam Good Words.
Imaam Good Words told her how to talk to Confidence.
He introduced her to his daughter, Encouragement.
Encouragement and Self-Esteem
went to find Confidence.
Self Esteem hoped she wasn't too late.
The girls found Confidence in a stupor.
She was no longer a vibrant,
happy young girl.
There were dark circles under her eyes.
She had gained so much weight from eating
that she couldn't move.
Encouragement gasped and Self-Esteem cried.
She begged Encouragement to do something.
Encouragement began to hug Confidence.
She kissed her and loved her.
She told her that she was a beautiful young lady
who had a lot going for her.
Encouragement held Confidence so tightly
that Self-Esteem thought she would smother her.
Confidence began to cry.
As she cried, she seemed to lose weight.
Then a bright light suddenly glowed from
Confidence and she began to smile.
Peer Pressure and his friends didn't like
what Encouragement was doing
and tried to attack her.
They hit at her and pulled at her, but they
couldn't pull her away from Confidence.
Then Confidence began to speak.
"Get away from me, Peer Pressure.
Take your friends and go.
You no longer have any power over me.
" Confidence was now a glowing light.
She and her friends made sure that
Peer Pressure and his gang never
bothered anyone in their town again.
If you feel that Encouragement is not your friend,
then try to find Encouragement in yourself.
Self-Esteem and Confidence will follow.
They went everywhere together.
If Confidence bought a new dress,
Self-Esteem bought one just like it.
They were very close.
One day a new kid came to their school.
His name was Peer Pressure.
He had a friend called Hateful Words.
They decided to give Confidence a hard time.
They constantly teased her.
They forced her to do terrible things.
It was so terrible that Confidence
lost Self-Esteem.
When Self-Esteem wanted to start some classes,
Confidence said they wouldn't be any good.
Then one day, Peer Pressure introduced
Confidence to Doubt.
He wanted to ruin Confidence,
but Peer Pressure said he couldn't yet.
Self Esteem couldn't understand what
was wrong with Confidence.
Confidence now hung around with Depression,
Low Self-Esteem, and Overeating.
These girls were friends of Peer Pressure.
Self-Esteem no longer had any friends.
She no longer felt good about herself.
She went to see her Imaam Good Words.
Imaam Good Words told her how to talk to Confidence.
He introduced her to his daughter, Encouragement.
Encouragement and Self-Esteem
went to find Confidence.
Self Esteem hoped she wasn't too late.
The girls found Confidence in a stupor.
She was no longer a vibrant,
happy young girl.
There were dark circles under her eyes.
She had gained so much weight from eating
that she couldn't move.
Encouragement gasped and Self-Esteem cried.
She begged Encouragement to do something.
Encouragement began to hug Confidence.
She kissed her and loved her.
She told her that she was a beautiful young lady
who had a lot going for her.
Encouragement held Confidence so tightly
that Self-Esteem thought she would smother her.
Confidence began to cry.
As she cried, she seemed to lose weight.
Then a bright light suddenly glowed from
Confidence and she began to smile.
Peer Pressure and his friends didn't like
what Encouragement was doing
and tried to attack her.
They hit at her and pulled at her, but they
couldn't pull her away from Confidence.
Then Confidence began to speak.
"Get away from me, Peer Pressure.
Take your friends and go.
You no longer have any power over me.
" Confidence was now a glowing light.
She and her friends made sure that
Peer Pressure and his gang never
bothered anyone in their town again.
If you feel that Encouragement is not your friend,
then try to find Encouragement in yourself.
Self-Esteem and Confidence will follow.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Volunteers neede for Muslim young offenders
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED TO HELP YOUNG MUSLIM OFFENDERS (NW London)
Barnet Muslim Forum would like to work closely with the Youth
Offending Team in Barnet to assist Young Muslim Offenders. We
are looking for volunteers who can help, advise and support
the service. Currently there is a real shortage of Muslims
involved in the Justice System although the number of Muslim
young offenders remains high. This rewarding role would help
you give to your community a much needed service and would
reflect well upon your experience.
For more information please contact:
Tel: 07939 007 234
E-mail: zaheer.ali@barnetmu slimforum. co.uk
Website: www.barnetmuslimfor um.co.uk
Barnet Muslim Forum would like to work closely with the Youth
Offending Team in Barnet to assist Young Muslim Offenders. We
are looking for volunteers who can help, advise and support
the service. Currently there is a real shortage of Muslims
involved in the Justice System although the number of Muslim
young offenders remains high. This rewarding role would help
you give to your community a much needed service and would
reflect well upon your experience.
For more information please contact:
Tel: 07939 007 234
E-mail: zaheer.ali@barnetmu slimforum. co.uk
Website: www.barnetmuslimfor um.co.uk
Friday, August 15, 2008
INTRODUCTION TO MUSLIM YOUTH WORK COURSE
INTRODUCTION TO MUSLIM YOUTH WORK COURSE
Dates: Saturday 30th August - Sunday 31st August 2008
Time: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Venue: Islamic Foundation, Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9SY
A certified course suitable for Youth and Community Workers, Imaams, Madrassah Teachers, and Mentors. This course aims to develop some basic but essential generic youth work skills, necessary to be able to respond to the ever changing needs of young people. It has been specifically designed for Muslim workers and draws from authentic sources of Islam. The course will be very interactive and practical in nature. There will be ample opportunities for discussion and enquiry to enable participants to explore the area of youth work.
This two day course will cover: the role and skills of a youth worker; cornerstones of youth work; content, context and method equality; participation and communication; how to plan needs - responsive projects; issues affecting young Muslims. The course is open to both brothers and sisters. The cost for both days is £85 (voluntary organisations / individuals) and £190 (statutory organisations).
For further information and bookings please contact:
Tel: 07861 698 132
E-mail: courses@muslimyouthskills.co.uk
Website: www.muslimyouthskills.co.uk
Dates: Saturday 30th August - Sunday 31st August 2008
Time: 10.00 am - 4.00 pm
Venue: Islamic Foundation, Markfield Conference Centre, Ratby Lane, Markfield, Leicestershire, LE67 9SY
A certified course suitable for Youth and Community Workers, Imaams, Madrassah Teachers, and Mentors. This course aims to develop some basic but essential generic youth work skills, necessary to be able to respond to the ever changing needs of young people. It has been specifically designed for Muslim workers and draws from authentic sources of Islam. The course will be very interactive and practical in nature. There will be ample opportunities for discussion and enquiry to enable participants to explore the area of youth work.
This two day course will cover: the role and skills of a youth worker; cornerstones of youth work; content, context and method equality; participation and communication; how to plan needs - responsive projects; issues affecting young Muslims. The course is open to both brothers and sisters. The cost for both days is £85 (voluntary organisations / individuals) and £190 (statutory organisations).
For further information and bookings please contact:
Tel: 07861 698 132
E-mail: courses@muslimyouthskills.co.uk
Website: www.muslimyouthskills.co.uk
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Interview Advice
Interview Advice
Getting Started
Here is some information that may help you to successfully overcome the hurdles of attending an interview. Some of them you may find obvious, but sometimes we can forget the most obvious things!
This guide is broken down into four sections:
Before the interview
On the day of the interview
The interview itself (including practice interview quiz)
Potential questions for you to ask
Before the Interview
Preparation for an interview is an absolutely key process and will often be the difference between success and failure for applicants. Good preparation not only gives you an idea of what to expect but it will give you the all important confidence, which can carry you through.
So what specific preparation should you carry out?
Company Research:
Interviewers will expect you to have a good grasp of what the company does, how big it is, how it is divided up and who it’s main competitors are. With these facts at your command you will be able to hold a meaningful conversation about the company and put other company information into context.
Role Research:
You need to make sure you have fully understood the job description and know how it fits in to the overall company structure. If you have any queries about it then try to raise them before the interview or be prepared to bring them up as you go along.
Ask yourself what the key skills are that the job requires and think of examples of occasions when you have demonstrated those skills.
Interview Research:
Make sure you find out what format the interview will take. Often they can be combinations of standard interviews and role-specific tests (such as role plays or psychometric questionnaires). The fewer surprises on the day, the better.
Personal Appraisal:
You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points.
Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in that industry and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program).
Each question will be an opportunity to provide some of this information to the interviewer.
On the day of the Interview
Take special care to dress appropriately - most of the time smart business dress will be appropriate. In some rare occasions, smart casual may be appropriate but ensure you err on the side of smartness.
Make sure you are punctual – try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. If you are going to be late for any reason then make sure you inform the interviewer as early as possible.
The Interview itself
Some important points to remember:
Don't assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your CV. Therefore, ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your CV in your answers.
Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes" or "no."
The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to 'blow your own trumpet'. As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients."
Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your former employer to the weather - and don't apologise for experience that you don't have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say "I have a little experience...," you would say "I have experience..."
Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.
In terms of your manner and body language, try to ensure the following - be confident, positive and look directly at the interviewer when you talk and listen, speak clearly, be enthusiastic and express a keen interest in the position, keep to the point and be concise and always be honest.
Interviews generally follow a set pattern. The interviewer will:-
Tell you about the company and the job.
Ask you questions to assess your abilities, personality and motivation.
Ask if you have any questions.
Inform you of the next stage of the process and when a final decision will be made.
The most important thing to remember is that the interview is a two way process. You are there to find out information about them as much as they are there to find out about you. This is your chance to find out information that isn’t in the job description and this can help you make an informed decision about whether you definitely want the job.
To help you succeed at interview we have prepared a random interview question generator, which displays questions selected from a list of over a hundred. You can use this to try to think about how you might answer the questions in an interview situation.
Potential questions for you to ask
Can you tell me more about the company?
Can you describe my area of responsibility?
Is this post a new or existing one?
What are the promotion prospects?
Is there a clearly defined career path?
Do you run any training schemes?
What type of clients do you deal with?
Will you be holding second interviews?
Getting Started
Here is some information that may help you to successfully overcome the hurdles of attending an interview. Some of them you may find obvious, but sometimes we can forget the most obvious things!
This guide is broken down into four sections:
Before the interview
On the day of the interview
The interview itself (including practice interview quiz)
Potential questions for you to ask
Before the Interview
Preparation for an interview is an absolutely key process and will often be the difference between success and failure for applicants. Good preparation not only gives you an idea of what to expect but it will give you the all important confidence, which can carry you through.
So what specific preparation should you carry out?
Company Research:
Interviewers will expect you to have a good grasp of what the company does, how big it is, how it is divided up and who it’s main competitors are. With these facts at your command you will be able to hold a meaningful conversation about the company and put other company information into context.
Role Research:
You need to make sure you have fully understood the job description and know how it fits in to the overall company structure. If you have any queries about it then try to raise them before the interview or be prepared to bring them up as you go along.
Ask yourself what the key skills are that the job requires and think of examples of occasions when you have demonstrated those skills.
Interview Research:
Make sure you find out what format the interview will take. Often they can be combinations of standard interviews and role-specific tests (such as role plays or psychometric questionnaires). The fewer surprises on the day, the better.
Personal Appraisal:
You can never predict every question that you will encounter, so approach the interview with an inventory of important points.
Make a list of the points about yourself that you want the interviewer to know. For example, if you were to apply for a job as a Sales Representative, you might want to list the products you have sold before, types of customers (by industry, age, etc.), languages spoken, personal experience in that industry and related knowledge (perhaps from your academic program).
Each question will be an opportunity to provide some of this information to the interviewer.
On the day of the Interview
Take special care to dress appropriately - most of the time smart business dress will be appropriate. In some rare occasions, smart casual may be appropriate but ensure you err on the side of smartness.
Make sure you are punctual – try to arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled interview time. If you are going to be late for any reason then make sure you inform the interviewer as early as possible.
The Interview itself
Some important points to remember:
Don't assume anything. You will be evaluated on your answers, not your CV. Therefore, ensure you incorporate the relevant information from your CV in your answers.
Pause a couple of seconds before you respond to each question, even if you know exactly what you want to say. Take this time to quickly plan your answer, this helps to avoid misunderstandings and produces much more concise answers.
If you don't understand a question, ask for clarification. This is expected and is preferable to providing an unsuitable answer.
If you need time to collect your thoughts - take it. When people are nervous they tend either to "draw a blank" or to babble. It is better to think for a few moments and make sure that your answer is doing you justice and that there is a point to what you are saying.
Always expand. Never answer a question with a "yes" or "no."
The interview is an opportunity for you to sell yourself. Don't be afraid to 'blow your own trumpet'. As long as you can back up what you are saying with examples which demonstrate that what you are saying is true, you are not bragging. Third party observations can also be mentioned. For example, "My last employer told me that I was promoted because of how I handled conflicts with clients."
Be very positive. Don't complain about anything - from your former employer to the weather - and don't apologise for experience that you don't have. Just sell what you do have and let the employer decide if you have what he/she is looking for. Also, avoid negative words. For example, you would not say "I have a little experience...," you would say "I have experience..."
Don't be afraid to repeat important points. In fact, it is a good idea to do this.
In terms of your manner and body language, try to ensure the following - be confident, positive and look directly at the interviewer when you talk and listen, speak clearly, be enthusiastic and express a keen interest in the position, keep to the point and be concise and always be honest.
Interviews generally follow a set pattern. The interviewer will:-
Tell you about the company and the job.
Ask you questions to assess your abilities, personality and motivation.
Ask if you have any questions.
Inform you of the next stage of the process and when a final decision will be made.
The most important thing to remember is that the interview is a two way process. You are there to find out information about them as much as they are there to find out about you. This is your chance to find out information that isn’t in the job description and this can help you make an informed decision about whether you definitely want the job.
To help you succeed at interview we have prepared a random interview question generator, which displays questions selected from a list of over a hundred. You can use this to try to think about how you might answer the questions in an interview situation.
Potential questions for you to ask
Can you tell me more about the company?
Can you describe my area of responsibility?
Is this post a new or existing one?
What are the promotion prospects?
Is there a clearly defined career path?
Do you run any training schemes?
What type of clients do you deal with?
Will you be holding second interviews?
Thursday, July 03, 2008
Free First Aid Training
Women's Consortium First Aid Training
First Aid training for Women
5th July
10 am - 12 pm
Venue:
The Willow Children's Centre
Barnhill Road
Wembley
HA9 9YP
Contact for Information/ Booking
Khaleda Khan: 0780 9443756
khaleda@womensconsortium.org.uk
www.womensconsortium.org.uk
First Aid training for Women
5th July
10 am - 12 pm
Venue:
The Willow Children's Centre
Barnhill Road
Wembley
HA9 9YP
Contact for Information/ Booking
Khaleda Khan: 0780 9443756
khaleda@womensconsortium.org.uk
www.womensconsortium.org.uk
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