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Unwind Summer School 2010: Progression from Within
Nafas Workshop
Class 1A Learning
Class 1A Student of the Year - Aamir Hamza
Nasheed Workshop with Shahid Falahi
NHS Workshop
In the internal, there were desiccated throats, and thickened veins; tiredness and a desire to relax; the physical symptoms of Fasting during Ramadan, but on the external, there was colour, words and fun – not forgetting some deep thinking! Yes, Unwind Boys Summer School ran its two-week course in the pulse of Darul Ummah in a peaceful, yet exciting vein-stream. In its twelfth year running, Unwind year-in-year-out has catered for children of the community, offering Islamic education, workshops and of course, fun.
Unwind always had a self-constructive agenda, from inception, to improve itself, and always give something new. It did that. Unwind this year, not in nature, but in content concentration from that of others years, was different because with the fasting month in full flow, physical activities were compensated, by more spirituality in course content. Students were engaged in a deeper study of Islam through understanding of its core beliefs, teachings, manners, hadiths, du’as, and in greater depth, the Life of the Prophet (S), his companions: events shaping their legacy, and the key messages they left behind.
The students at Unwind Boys ranged from ages 8-16; guiding them were dedicated and energetic and successful youth from the community, volunteering to teach here. All of them were specially thanked by the Headteacher Ahsan Habib & Deputy Headteachers Noor Ahmed and Abdullah Saqueb. Amongst the staff were those that were ex-students themselves, and their participation, in which they gave back knowledge to the younger generation is anecdotally, what Unwind epitomizes.
Unwind accommodated a number of workshops in addition to the classroom learning. Two sessions with ‘Three-Faith Forum’ helped to bridge gap in understanding, while relegating misconceptions about the three major religions of the world: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Yasin Ahmed, 12, remarked: ‘If we fully understand beliefs, we wouldn’t be in such global mess.’ Also, workshops to Queen Mary University of London, had students engaging in scientific activities. Nafas elucidated to students perils of drug-use in our community. Moreover, there was Ramadan Workshop with Shaykh Abdur Rahman Madani, Personal Hygiene advice from Dr Abul Kalam Azad, Nasheed with artist Shahid Falahi, Debates, Drama, and much more. Unwind thus offered the ideal-alternative to kids being on streets, keeping them in a receptive social, intellectual and spiritual immersion.
It all culminated at the Presentation Day, 30th of August 2010, where parents saw children receive awards, and viewed performances. Hosted by Aminul Islam and Jayed Sarker, exhibitions of Unwind talent were shown through debates, nasheeds and drama lacing the show as comedy skits added the ever-important sense of humour. The event was concluded by a speech from Br Shabbir Kawsar, Assistant Secretary General of Da’watul Islam UK & Eire. All in all, it was a great year and the Unwind Headteacher thanked everyone for their brimming co-operation.
Jayed Sarker
Young Muslim Beacon Award 2010
Unwind was awarded runner-up for MCB YMBA 2010, held at the House of Lords on 11th October. The Ameer and Executive Members of Da’watul Islam UK & Eire has congratulated all the school staff for their hard work.
First published on News&Views, Issue 20, October–November 2010, London