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The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small.
Sahih Bukhari
For the last 20 years, MSF has helped to bring scouting to the Muslim community: setting up new groups, organising many national events and international trips and delivering countless trainings and workshops. All with the aim of ensuring that our young people are given the incredible opportunity to benefit from a tried and tested scouting programme and all that is has to offer, whilst also ensuring their leaders are given the best support available to be the best role models that they can be. And we pride ourselves on keeping any costs for our activities low, to ensure that everyone can take part.
Find out more about how the MSF changes lives for young people from Muslim communities backgrounds.
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Ayesha
Scouting has long been recognised for its ability to shape the lives of young individuals, instilling values
of leadership, community service, and civic engagement.
Ayesha’s involvement in Scouting began at age 6 when she joined her local Muslim scouts group, 7th
Goodmayes, as a Beaver. She continues with the group until she finished Explorers, aged 18. From
camping trips to community service projects, Scouting not only provided Ayesha with a diverse array of
experiences but also allowed her to develop a close-knit circle of friends. These friendships were fostered
by a shared dedication to the values and principles of both Islam and Scouting, creating a sense of
belonging and a network of support.
One of the defining aspects of Ayesha’s Scouting journey was her progression into prominent leadership
roles within the UK Scouts Association. In 2022, she was introduced to the role of UK Youth Commissioner
and encouraged to apply by her Explorer leader. After a competitive selection process, she became the first
Muslim to be appointed to the role. Now, as the serving UK Youth Commissioner, she not only sits on the
overarching UK Scouts Leadership team, but is also a serving Trustee of the Scouts Association, giving her
the crucial opportunity to bring issues facing youth to the table and influence the future direction and
strategy of Scouting nationally. In addition to this, Ayesha leads a team to embed youth focused
Scouting at headquarters level.
Inspired by her experiences in Scouting and recognising the importance of youth voices in shaping the future, through her role, she champions the
inclusion of young voices in influential spheres, facilitating their access to influential lobbies, policymakers, and forums through initiatives such as the
Back Youth Alliance. Recognising the need for wider-scale empowerment, she also leads initiatives aimed at offering exposure and tailored training to
talented young individuals, facilitating their recruitment into roles at the Scout Headquarters.
Alongside her role as UK Youth Commissioner, Ayesha studies Engineering at the University of Cambridge. Whilst at University, she continues to seek
opportunities to improve her local community through her continuous involvement in initiatives such as volunteering at local schools and community
outreach work.
Ayesha emphasises that the principles of service to others, leadership, and collaboration, serve as essential guiding principles in her current role.
Additionally, she highlights the importance of the tight-knit circle of like-minded friends she initially forged in Scouting on her life, underlining that the
concept of serving and empowering others was instilled in her and her friends through Scouting at a very young age. Today, her Scouting friends
remain a reliable source of support and a space where she can further nurture her faith, and grow in confidence.
Her former leader Humaairah Jama says; “I couldn’t be prouder of Ayesha’s remarkable achievements and the influence she has had on empowering
young people nationwide. Her dedication, leadership, and passion for service have been truly inspiring, as she continues to champion the voices of
young people and make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.”
Ayesha’s story serves as an inspiring example of how Scouting can empower individuals to become active, engaged citizens who strive to make a
difference in their communities and beyond. Through Scouting, she not only acquired valuable skills and experiences but also developed a deep-rooted commitment to serving others and promoting positive societal change.
Anes
Relocating to a new environment can be a daunting experience for any child, but for Anes, it was
particularly challenging. Coming from Eritrean roots and having spent his early years in Egypt, at the
age of eight, Anes found himself uprooted from familiar surroundings and placed into an entirely
new country where he felt isolated and self-conscious about his Muslim identity. However, amidst all
of this change, Anes discovered a sense of belonging in his local Scout group.
Adjusting to a new culture, compounded by the fact that he, at times, experienced islamophobia and
discrimination was challenging for Anes. He recalls instances where his family were verbally abused
due to how they looked. He was encouraged to join the local muslim group, 304th Birmingham which
proved to be a turning point in his life. Within his Scout group, Anes found a community of other
young Muslims who welcomed him with open arms, and to whom he could also relate and build
positive relationships with. Joining the group gave him the confidence to practice Islam and embody
the core values of the faith in every aspect of his life. This inclusive environment served as a stark
contrast to the discrimination he faced in other aspects of his life, instilling in him a newfound sense
of confidence and belonging.
Moreover, Anes’ Scout leaders played a pivotal role in his personal development, serving as positive role models and mentors who encouraged him to
strive for excellence. Through their guidance and support, Anes discovered his strengths and talents, whether it was through outdoor activities,
leadership opportunities, or community service projects. These experiences not only helped Anes build valuable life skills but also instilled in him a
sense of responsibility and empathy towards others.
Today, aged 21, Anes is training to be a paramedic but remains deeply involved in the Scouting community. In fact, Anes’ journey in Scouting has come
full circle as he now serves as a local Scout leader himself. Motivated by a desire to give back to his community and provide other young people with
the same opportunities for growth and support that he received, Anes is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring the next generation of Scouts. Anes has
also contributed to MSF nationally, taking on roles such as the Head of Logistics, which has allowed him to deliver large-scale national events and meet
thousands of young people from across the country.
His former leader Salaheddin Aboulgasem recalls, “Anes’ journey embodies the true essence of Scouting. He exemplifies the spirit of leadership, service
and team-work through his continued dedication to developing young people both locally and nationally.”
The impact of Scouting on Anes’ life highlights how a quest for belonging transformed into a journey of personal growth, resilience, and achievement.
Through the unwavering support of his Scout group and the guidance of his leaders, Anes not only overcame the challenges he faced but thrived in
spite of them. His story serves as a testament to the power of Scouting to shape young lives and inspire future generations.
Online
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