After Islamic Convention…
THE National Islamic Convention 2010, convened last weekend by Guyana Islamic Trust (GIT), was not only an occasion for Muslim families to interact and have fun but to address issues affecting the nation and their role in society.
GIT Head, Mr. Haseeb Yusuf said the activity was intended to enlighten Guyanese Muslims about community building, as well.
According to him, the aim was to help educate people from all over Guyana on different matters of concern to them and how they can resolve related problems.
Yusuf told the Guyana Chronicle the forum had a focus mainly on real questions affecting rural areas, such as disintegration of families, drug addiction, delinquency, alcoholism and really pertinent challenges to their welfare resulting from the economic crisis.
He said single parent families have become a norm in Guyana, mostly headed by women who are not capable of coping with the responsibilities and, like last weekend, should be able to gather and participate in education programmes dealing with daily life issues.
“We have, at present, a kids section where they can play and have fun, teenagers can benefit from discussions on topics surrounding youth and we have our cultural exhibition and so much more to offer,” Yusuf said.
He continued:”We, the Muslim brothers and sisters of Guyana, are pretty much aware of issues affecting our country and have taken the initiative to do our part because the Government cannot do it all by themselves.”
GIT, through a few charitable organisations, such as Mercy International and Islamic Circle of North America, will be establishing multi-purpose facilities in Sophia and Albouystown, in Georgetown, too.
He said both centres would care for battered women, destitute children, teach literacy and offer counselling and recreation to those in need.
Yusuf said, apart from relief secured through those overseas based organizations, the Government of Guyana provided the land for the buildings.
He, however, appealed to all Guyanese to contribute to improving local living conditions.