السلام عليكم ورحمة الله وبركاته
The moon of Zul-hija has been sighted and so Eid will be on:
Wednesday 28th June 2023, InshaAllah.
Further announcements regarding Salaat ul Eid times will follow in shah Allah.
Introduction:
The Kent Muslim Welfare Association Sisters Group (KMWA Sisters Group) is a community organisation based in Medway Kent, England, that focuses on providing support and services to the local Muslim community, with a particular emphasis on women. The group is committed to fostering a sense of sisterhood and empowerment among Muslim women, while also promoting community engagement and social welfare. This report aims to highlight the various activities and initiatives undertaken by KMWA Sisters Group in their efforts to make a positive impact on the local community and proposals for the coming year.
Wednesday Sisters Circle:
The year 2022-2023 has been a significant one for the Sisters Circle. After being forced to move to an online format during the Covid pandemic, the circle resumed in the Masjid in May 2022. The online presence generated an audience that was unable to attend in person, leading to the circle being conducted both on-site and online.
The Sisters Circle which runs every Wednesday, during term time, provides a lifeline of community connection for the sisters, with regular attendance between 15-20 sisters. It aims to empower women with knowledge through spiritual development and guidance from the Quran and Sunnah.
Quran Recitation and Tajweed Class on Thursday:
In June 2022, a Quran recitation and tajweed class for sisters was introduced in the Masjid every Thursday morning during term time. While this was already running virtually, its presence in the Masjid is to open the opportunity to learn to the wider community and encourage an attachment to the Masjid for sisters. The class has been well-received, with regular attendance of approximately 10-12 sisters.
Moving forward, the Kent Muslim Welfare Association Sisters Group aims to continue providing opportunities for sisters to connect and engage in activities that promote their spiritual, intellectual, and emotional development. We plan to expand our services to include more classes and events that cater to the diverse and growing Muslim community in Kent and Medway and to facilitate their needs and interests.
Social Events:
KMWA Sisters Group has organised community-building activities to foster positive relationships and create a sense of belonging among community members. 2 social events were organised in the masjid conservatory during the previous year, one in May 2022 after Eid ul Fitr and one in January 2023. The event brought together members of the community to celebrate and socialise.
A sisters picnic was also arranged in August 2022 in Capstone Park. This allowed sisters and children to come together in an outdoor space and meet other community members.As a result of its success, the group is interested in organising more events in the coming year. By bringing people together, they hope to promote friendship, unity, and goodwill in the community.
Proposed Facilities
We have several proposed facilities that require the approval of the mosque management. We are hopeful that these facilities will be approved in the upcoming year.
Mental Health Awareness Sessions:
One of our primary focuses has been to provide mental health awareness sessions to our community. Mental health issues continue to be stigmatised in our society, and our aim is to break down these barriers and provide support to those in need. We are currently in the process of developing a mental health awareness programme and plan to launch it in the upcoming year.
Youth Hub for Young Muslim Girls:
We recognise that young Muslim girls require a safe and nurturing environment to learn, grow, and thrive. To meet this need, we plan to develop a youth hub for young Muslim girls. The hub will provide a space for girls to participate in various activities such as sports, arts and crafts, and mentoring programs.
Toddlers and Children Storytime:
We recognise the importance of early childhood Islamic education and would like to offer toddlers and children storytime sessions. These sessions would provide a safe and nurturing space for young children to learn and develop about the stories in the Quran. The aim of the sessions would be for young Muslims to learn about Islam, promoting a love for learning and reading, and fostering a sense of community and belonging among Muslim families.
Mechanisms to Support Revert Sisters:
We understand that revert sisters often face significant challenges when adjusting to their new way of life. To help address this issue, we are developing a program to support revert sisters. The program will provide mentorship, and other resources to help revert sisters integrate into the Muslim community.
Weekend and Evening Sessions for Working Muslim Sisters:
We recognise that many Muslim women are unable to attend our sessions and programs due to work commitments. To help accommodate these women, we hope to offer weekend and evening sessions for working Muslim sisters. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including Islamic studies, health and wellness, and personal development. We plan to offer these sessions in the upcoming year through setting up a KMWA Sisters Hub.
Urgently need funding for baby changing facilities and shoe rack in the conservatory:
Finally, we would like to highlight two urgent needs that require funding: baby changing facilities and a shoe rack. Our Mosque is frequently used by mothers with young children, and we urgently need to install baby changing facilities to accommodate them. We have also identified a need for a shoe rack in the conservatory to help ensure the safety of our visitors. We are currently seeking funding to address these urgent needs.
Conclusion:
The Kent Muslim Welfare Association Sisters Group remains committed to empowering Muslim women with knowledge through spiritual development and guidance from the Quran and Sunnah. We look forward to continuing our efforts in the upcoming year and providing opportunities for the sisters to connect and grow together.
We would like to express our gratitude to the sisters who have supported us throughout the year and contributed to the success of our initiatives. We would also like to thank the Kent Muslim Welfare Association for their support and guidance in helping us achieve our goals and look forward to their continued support on the proposed facilities made in this report.
Current and Ongoing Activities by KMWA Volunteers:
1. Food Distribution
Surplus food is picked up from eight Co Op grocery stores by volunteers. This is then redistributed to facilities across Medway who provide shelter and provisions to the homeless community.
The collection of food occurs at two distinct timings, early morning and late evening. All food collected at 9am is delivered to Gillingham Street Angels.
The evening collection is delivered to differing homes for the homeless,
Endeavour Foyer, Springboard Foyer, Regent House and Amat House. All are located in Medway.
In addition, once a week, on a Saturday volunteers take food to the vulnerable and needy in the Sheerness community.
The following Co Op stores participate in the programme:
Canterbury Street , Parkwood , Hoo , Wainscott , Watling Street, Delce , Walderslade , Dickens Estate.
Food is also picked up from one additional source, Tesco Express in Lordswood.
2. Additionally, volunteers have worked closely with IMAGO based at 60 Balmoral Rd, Gillingham, Kent as and when their needs arise. This help is sporadic in nature.
3. Volunteers work and support MVA (Medway Voluntary Action).
Details are not permitted for disclosure due to the sensitive nature of this support and as governed by GDPR.
4. Considerable support is provided by volunteers to members of the community.
Community members reach out to the KMWA Coordinator for signposting. Help is implemented as necessary .
5. KMWA have an excellent partnership with Medway Plus to support Afghan refugees who are supported by Medway Plus at Mid Kent College .
Past Endeavours
1. Two Health and Wellness Workshops were held in 2022 in the Conservatory.
Each of a two hour duration from 2pm to 4pm after Jumaa prayers.
The workshops were facilitated by Project Officers from Public Health Directorate of Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, ME4 4TR .
The session on Friday 2nd Dec 2022 also involved personnel from the Healthy Living Section of Medway Council.
2. In a collaboration with Medway Plus and Sun pier Gallery a celebration of Islamic Culture & Art was hosted at Sun Pier Art Gallery. From 8th November to 25th November 2022 members of the public enjoyed exhibits from a varied age range of contributors.
It proved to be a great success.
This bridged the gap between differing communities. Artists from Sittingbourne/ Canterbury also took part. Sun Pier report that the footfall has increased measurably after this event .
3. Following on from this very successful event there was a FREE event to Celebrate Kent Muslim Welfare Association Young Volunteers on Saturday 12th November 2022. From 6 p.m to 9 p.m at Sun Pier Riverside Gallery & Café, 2nd Floor, Medway Street, Chatham, ME4 4HF
4. In July 2022 there was a ‘Bring a Dish ‘Dinner. A celebration for young volunteers and their families at Tunbury Village Hall. Certificates were presented and gifts donated by friends and family.
5. In March 2022 there was also a ‘Bring a dish’ party for volunteers to celebrate/network and encourage the efforts of the young.
6. A trip to reward the Madrassah children and families took place on Tuesday 9th August, 2022 to Margate and Cranbrook Windmill. This was sponsored by the Test BED FUND Grant
7. A second reward Trip for KMWA Madrassah/ Afghan Refugees, in conjunction with Medway Plus occurred on
on Monday, February 13th 2023 to the Victoria and Albert Museum (South
Kensington). Again, this was sponsored by the Test Bed Fund Grant.
The coach left the Masjid around 9 a.m. and returned at approximately 6 p.m.
Maulana Zahoor accompanied the Madrassah pupils on both trips .
8. A trip to Cambridge Masjid was organised by Farris Wilson. The visit was paid for by the participants.
The community cohesion benefited many.
Future plans :
1. Continue with the collection and drop off of food for the homeless.
2.On Monday 22nd May a free trip on the River Medway will take place . NO COST TO KMWA – (Only 12 places on the barge ) .Courtesy of Medway Plus .
3. A trip to the Air Force Museum is planned in June 2023.
4. A visit to Kent Wildlife Centre (Summer 2023).
5. A trip to the seaside is planned for the KMWA Volunteers and their families.
6. A trip to the Houses of Parliament in Oct 2023. During Half Term
7. Water sports on the River Medway (courtesy of Medway Plus )
Please do not hesitate to contact me if any further information is required.
JazakhaAllah khair
Rizwana Shelley
KMWA Coordinator
Bismillah
Alhamdulillah by the permission of Allah سبحانه وتعالى and His acceptance we have successfully engaged with our Dawah stall initiative under the KMWA umbrella and accompanied by our various other partners.
The stall has already accomplished much on our amazing journey of Dawah and volunteers work in our local community. It all began fairly recently – within the last year. It was established as a result of a concern from myself (brother Farris) and Auntie Rizwana on the KMWA volunteers watts app group about how we could be a presence at the grand opening of the Gillingham Street Angels Charity Shop in Chatham – grand opening day. That’s where Neil the CEO of the charity suggested we should come along and be that presence and representation of KMWA volunteers and Dawah outreach initiatives. It should be mentioned that the street angels charity are an amazing community, not even religious based or focused and yet their staff are so welcoming and accommodating every time.
Since then we have been regularly attending their shop with the stall and it’s still ongoing In Sha Allah. From this Dawah stall initiative we have had an increase in volunteers and even a new Muslim sister entering the fold of Islam. Every week we are on the stall the Qurans are nearly all taken. It has been a huge success and we are expanding further by even seeing us now getting permission to setup in the mall in Maidstone. There we have invited IERA down and other experienced personalities in the work of Dawah that have offered us support and training and is still ongoing In Sha Allah
Finally, it should be said that the KMWA organisation has been very supportive and to hand at every point, especially in the initial stages. Brother Rizwan has been a fantastic supporter and has been readily available for the stall requirements throughout. We hope this relationship and our efforts for this noble work continues to grow and get stronger. We hope more volunteers – both brothers and sisters can help in any way to support and benefit immensely – even if it’s just your Duas – please let’s not stop now.
May Allah سبحانه وتعالى reward, bless and accept from us all, Aameen.
Br Farris Wilson.