OUR PROJECT
Project MY Community aims to become a point of contact of all people. The premises will become a multifaceted hub which will be an accessible, inclusive, integrated space attracting service users of all ages and backgrounds from Manchester and beyond. The community centre will become focal point for our youth, as well as support student activities for faith teaching alongside vocational activities.
Why My Community?
Inspiring our community, for tomorrow
The Need
MYF recognises the diverse and challenging needs of its community and is driven by a commitment to address these needs comprehensively.
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The community faces challenges related to religious and spiritual fulfilment, physical and mental well-being, academic and vocational potential, health, and overall community engagement.
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Project MY Community is initiated to establish a community centre that serves as a focal point for addressing these needs - challenges include but are not limited to:
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The demand for accessible events and education in the English language.
Currently there in no dedicated English Community Centre catering for the needs of the community in the Northwest.
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The necessity for facilities to accommodate the growing youth population, and the need for comprehensive health and well-being initiatives.
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Additionally, the community seeks support in fostering educational and career development opportunities, as well as promoting an active and healthy lifestyle through sports and recreational activities.
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MYF's vision is to create a prosperous community based on the values of the Islamic Shia Ithna Asheri Faith, responding to the evolving needs of its members and engaging with the wider society. The MY Community Project aims to bridge these gaps and provide essential services for the holistic development and prosperity of the community.
Identifying the community needs
MYF has engaged in a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach that involves various sources of information and feedback to identify the needs of the community, now and in the future.
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A thorough review of the organisation, its existing service offerings, and the potential for development laid the foundation for identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement. This internal evaluation was complemented by a detailed census and analysis of the community's needs, providing quantitative data on demographics, preferences, and areas requiring attention.
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Community consultation played a pivotal role in shaping the project's goals, with the MYF actively seeking opinions from its members. Regular Annual General Meetings (AGMs) provided a structured forum for members to express their concerns, aspirations, and suggestions, fostering a participatory decision-making process. Additionally, anecdotal feedback gathered through informal conversations within the community offered valuable insights into the nuanced needs and aspirations of individuals.
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MYF has conducted market research to understand the broader landscape of services provided nationally and best practices in similar organizations. This external perspective informed the development of the MY Community Project by incorporating proven strategies and tailoring them to the specific needs and religious context of the local community.
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In summary, the community's needs were discerned through a combination of internal organisational reviews, census and analysis, direct consultation with community members through AGMs and opinions, anecdotal feedback from informal conversations, and market research to benchmark against national standards and best practices. This comprehensive approach ensures that the MY Community Project is well-aligned with the genuine and diverse needs of the community it serves.
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Results of the above can be provided upon request to relevant parties.
Our Community
MYF prides itself on the quality of service it offers when it comes to what we produce. Our community deserves the highest level of activity and provisions and we work tirelessly to maintain those standards.
Why an English Speaking Alim?
The Manchester Shia Ithna Ashari community is large and very diverse, many immigrants and second/third generation Muslims. There is a sizable group that is more comfortable and fluent in english than in arabic, urdu or other languages. Having a resident scholar who can eloquently guide in english would be of indeterminable valuable. Under the current state, none of the centres across Greater Manchester have a resident english speaking Alim in place to be able to connect with the youth and non-native speaking communities.
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An english speaking resident scholar will also help make the MY Community centre more welcoming and accessible to new converts or non-Muslims interested in learning about the faith. These individuals may be reluctant to step into a community centre where they do not understand the language being spoken. Having a resident scholar to explain Shia Islamic beliefs and practices in clear english could aid their spiritual journey. In addition, an english-speaking resident scholar would be better equipped to engage in interfaith initiatives and represent the Muslim community in public forums or media appearances where fluent english skills are crucial-building bridges of understanding between Shi’i Muslims and other faith groups in Manchester. Their voice could add nuance and perspective to discussions about Islam that often lack a knowledgeable Muslim point of view.
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While arabic remains the liturgical language of Islam, there is nothing in the faith that prohibits or discourages translation and explanation of the Quran, Hadiths, and other teachings into local languages. An english speaking resident scholar in Manchester could play this important role without taking anything away from the beauty and traditions of Islam. The MY Community centre would be proud to take this step to serve the Greater Manchester community with this initiative and we look forward to your help in understanding and exploring this shared vision.