Drug misuse within our community is an issue which the authorities are often accused of ignoring.

However, a unique drugs education has been devised to specifically target pupils in mosques in the region.

The project is called "Islamic Choices" and is delivered by MAULANA HASAN SIDAT and has been devised by Lancashire Council of Mosques in partnership with Blackburn with Darwen DAT.

UMAR HAYAT went to interview MAULANA SIDAT to establish how well the project is operating.

How did you become involved in the 'Islamic Choices' programme?

I became involved in the concept of an Islamic focused drug education programme whilst working as the Cultural Awareness Officer at Lancashire Council of Mosques.

There was, and still is, a growing awareness of drugs and drug use within the Asian community which needs to be addressed sensitively and practically. As one form of response, I organised a one-day event for Mosque teachers to consider the drugs issue. The 'Islamic Choices' initiative evolved from this day and its discussions.

Why is there a need for the Islamic Choices education programme?

Whilst drug education is delivered in mainstream schools throughout the borough, it was felt that this did not fully address the religious and cultural needs of Muslim young people. It was decided that a complimentary programme with an Islamic focus be developed and Lancashire Council of Mosques took up the task..

The result is a resource called 'Islamic Choices' and a dedicated drug education officer who visits mosques to meet with and talk with young Muslim students.

What was also found was that most teachers employed by Mosques had little knowledge about drugs and their effects and risks. Mosque teachers are, therefore, encouraged to be present at and take part in the 'Islamic Choices' lessons. More recently, training has been delivered to groups of Mosque teachers in the borough.

What are the aims and objectives of the programme?

The main aim is to educate young people of thirteen years and above, who attend the Mosque, about why drugs, including alcohol, are prohibited in Islam. This is put into the context of general risks and potential dangers of drugs.

The rationale behind targeting this age group is that this is around the time that young people leave the Mosque classes and it is believed that this is a time of increased vulnerability to a wide range of challenges including drugs. It is hoped that Islam and the education that the young people have received can prevent, or at least reduce, the number of practising young Muslim people experimenting with drugs and alcohol.

Can you tell us more about what the programme involves?

I deliver a ninety minute lesson about a range of drugs, their risks, their appearance and managing offer situations. The lesson is based on an Islamic theme and uses quotes from the Holy Koran to explain why intoxicants are proscribed by Islam.

The lesson also covers the risks in the misuse of prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

I try to make the lessons as participative as possible, as they are so time limited, and involve the young people and the teachers in their evaluation.

What have the reactions from teachers and parents to programme been?

The reactions from both groups have been extremely positive.

The teachers have commented that their own learning has been enhanced. They have also stressed the value of having an easily accessible, dedicated teacher to support them in their practice.

A measure of their enthusiasm has been their request for extended drug awareness and education training for themselves and other members of staff

Parents, too, have been very positive and encouraging. They have enjoyed learning from their sons and daughters and feel supported by the Islamic focus of the education.

These responses have, to some extent, surprised but also encouraged me as I was expecting some degree of negativity because of the sensitive nature of the issue within and amongst the community.

Is the programme aimed only at Mosque education practice or does it also target ethnic minority teachers in mainstream schools?

The programme is currently available to Mosques and teachers at Mosques. The Islamic focus, time constraints and funding would make it inappropriate and impractical to deliver to mainstream schools.

I have, however, been active in developing a good working relationship with, amongst others, the Drug education officer in the borough council and will be raising awareness of the 'Islamic Choices' programme through mainstream training.

Could this programme be adapted to run in other areas of the North-west?

The programme could be run without any adaptation and I am receiving a growing number of enquiries from other parts of the country who have heard about and would like me to run the programme in their areas. Once again, however, time and financial constraints do not allow me to respond as fully as I would like.

What recommendations would you make to other organisations considering running a similar programme?

Not exactly a recommendation, but I would encourage and welcome other organisations to contact the Lancashire Council of Mosques to discuss their requirements and to gain ideas about how such a programme could be planned and implemented. We could also discuss the training needs of, and, if applicable deliver the training for, educators and/or co-ordinators for similar programmes in other areas.