The teaching of tolerance (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

The teaching of tolerance

Azim KhanMORE lessons about Islam are to be given in Swindon secondary schools to combat prejudice.

Swindon councillors, faith groups and teachers have voted in favour of a new unit devoted to Islam which will be taught to key stage three pupils in religious studies lessons.

Currently Islam is taught at a basic level to Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils but the new unit Encountering Islam: Living in Peace is aimed at challenging "Islamaphobic attitudes".

Margaret Griffiths from the Swindon InterFaith Group says it is needed in the light of hostility experienced by some Swindon Muslims since the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Centre in New York.

"I know Muslims in Swindon who are concerned by the Islamaphobia they perceive in the community. They are aware there are people who feel hostile towards Muslims in general no doubt as a result of September 11.

"I don't think it happens a lot but I am aware that there are difficulties.

"We are living in a multi cultural society so children have to learn about all what different religions and cultures believe."

Azim Khan of the Thamesdown Islamic Association says he has experienced prejudice first hand in Swindon.

"There is hostility towards Muslims in Swindon and it's growing day by day.

"I have had people pointing their finger at me and saying 'terrorist' or calling me Osama Bin Laden.

"I've been living in Swindon for more than 37 years and people's attitudes have changed a lot since the Iraq war."

As part of the new unit pupils will be given a scenario about an established Muslim community in Swindon wanting to open a new mosque in the town.

They will be asked to take the role of a local newspaper covering the story and to study perceptions of Islam and the views held by Muslims.

The vote on the new religious education syllabus for Swindon secondary schools was taken at the Agreed Syllabus Conference at the Civic Offices by the Standing Advisory Council On Religious Education yesterday.

Among those who attended was RE teacher Norma McKemey of Ridgeway School who will be teaching the new unit.

She said: "These issues really came to the fore with terrorism and its association with Islam.

"I think it's very important to teach children about what is happening in the wider world.

"In my experience I have been pleasantly surprised by the fact that students seem to realise that it is only a small minority that are responsible for terrorism."

Diana Milne