How to start a weekly Islamic Workshop for Pre-teens/Teenagers
Below is a simple guideline to help you establish & operate a weekly workshop in your area. The guideline is not exhaustive, but serves to give you an overall idea; each case is unique and will require a unique approach. InshaAllah brainstorming with this guideline will be beneficial for you and assist you in coming up with your own solutions. Starting an Islamic workshop is not as difficult as you might think.
Why Islamic Workshop?
Muslim teens & pre-teens today are facing diverse challenges and conflicting pressures at schools and among their social circles. They are influenced by mainstream pop culture and it is difficult to isolate them from these influences while at the same time it is painful to watch them simply swim along with the tide. Excessive consumerism, peer pressure, media culture, & information technology confuse their minds about their objective in life.
Parents are the main source of instilling values in their children; but parents can only do so much. It is a tough job to help these kids identify and balance their Islamic identity with their ‘Global’ identity.
There has to be a structured set up – ideally a weekend program to help these Muslims appreciate and understand Islam – its rich heritage, principles, values and teachings.
Important Issues Before Starting
Getting a “Team” together
Get together a few like-minded sisters in deen (friends/relatives) and form a core group. Have a proper administrative system. Delegate “jobs” to all team members – even if you are two volunteers, clearly divide your responsibilities. Have an emir (team leader) to take overall responsibility & to coordinate different areas of the program. Writing down job descriptions is a good idea (sample job descriptions attached).
Finding a Suitable Place
You will need to have a fairly spacious room. Ideally, room/s in a mosque or existing Islamic centre/place where Qur’an classes are held would be the best option; however if that is not available, then a school or even your home could do. The place you choose must be conveniently located for you, your team and for your target audience. Some storage space for your equipment would be very useful. Arrangement for making wudu would also be handy.
Choosing a Day and Time
Choose a day/time that suits you and your team; then see how well that works for your target audience.
Program Duration & Structure
2 hours weekly, for approximately 7 months in a year. Run in accordance to your target audience’s school term time. Divide your academic year into two terms with summer and winter holidays (sample calendar & class timings attached).
Divide each session into 2 classes of 45 minutes each with a break of 30 minutes for salah/snacks. Be very particular about time management.
Serving Snacks
Having a 15 – 20 minute snack break is highly recommended. It breaks the ice, gives the girls an opportunity to relax & socialize and creates a friendly learning environment. Serve snacks that are easily manageable for you; perhaps you could ask parents to help out with this.
Start-up Equipment
- For multimedia classes – laptop, projector and screen. You may be able to hook your laptop directly on to a television screen.
- White board, white board markers and basic stationery.
- You can give a stationery pouch & folder with writing pad to the students as a “starter pack” or ask them to get it with them.
- Admission forms (sample attached).
- Teachers’ tables/desks & chairs – if students are on floor cushions, the teacher’s seating should not be very high.
- Seating arrangement for students – chairs or floor cushions.
Operating Cost
Total reliance on donations may not be sustainable in the long run; make a budget of what costs you will incur. Your cost will include the following:
- rent and/or utility bills for your premises – major expense
- snacks
- photocopying/printing handouts
- starter pack
Charge a fee from the students based on your costs. Take term fee at the beginning of each term – makes admin. work easy and is also less hassle for the parents.
Admin. Issues
- Be organized
- Maintain student data – on an excel worksheet – file admission forms
- Maintain accounts – fees, snacks, photocopying, all expenses
- Take attendance of students
- Send regular reminders to absentees
- Have periodic parent meetings to keep them informed & involved
Marketing
It is advisable to find your target audience before putting the programme in action.
Start from your acquaintances/friends circle. Invite moms/parents over & introduce what you are planning to do. You could make posters & flyers and request friends to distribute them.