It was a privilege to be able to use my mother tongue- Pahari- , Urdu as well as English to facilitate a group of Muslim leaders in Dudley. I used to wonder what the point of me improving my non-English languages was. Now I understand. It was for times such as these that I have been reading my weekly Urdu paper and other material.
Surely, there must be more groups from within communities such as the Pakistanis whose preferred language of communication is their mother tongue(s). Presumably, they stay away from situations which are English-speaking.
I wonder whether we will ever move to the same level of provision for minority language communication and interpreting as that for groups who are dependent on British Sign Language.
The purpose of the event was to share information on safeguarding of children in religious organisations as well as to receive feedback from the people who work in such situations. Here are the notes from the Muslim group I facilitated:
1. Religion is very important to the Muslims of Dudley. They want their children to have proper understanding of Islam and be able to read the Quran. They also value their children being taught Urdu so they can communicate with the older generation and appreciate their cultural heritage.
2. It is important that the teachers teaching the above are properly qualified and are able to provide authentic education. The community is very keen for Urdu to be taught in mainstream schools but when it comes to Islamic teaching they would like that job to be done in mosques.
3. It is often the case that mainstream approaches are imposed on minority communities. When subjects such as safeguarding are considered it is important to take proper account of minority perspectives and context instead of expecting minorities to simply fit.
4. Language can be a barrier so it is important to have bilingual staff generally and especially in sensitive service areas such as safeguarding
5. The group raised the issue of safeguarding in the wider environment. Muslim children often have to put with abuse and taunts on the way to and from the mosques. The Council needs to take appropriate preventative action. Schools also have an educational role.
6. Lack of resources is a major problem for the Muslim community. They have to rely on the collections from their members who often come from a community which is disadvantaged. Lack of resources could give rise to safeguarding problems
7. It is important not to exaggerate the problems. The Muslim community is fully committed to safeguarding. They need help to develop the infrastructure.