A pioneering pilot project aimed at Muslim women is set to be spread across the city of Leeds after its successful completion. Over 100 mothers and their daughters completed the 10 week programme with a ‘graduation’ ceremony at Headingley Carnegie Stadium attended by constituency MP Greg Mulholland.
He commented, ‘I am delighted to lend my support. I would like to congratulate all those taking part for their magnificent effort in such an important area.’ The scheme was a joint venture between Leeds Rugby Foundation – of which Mulholland is Vice President – Mosaic, a charity founded by the Prince of Wales, Leeds Metropolitan University and the West Yorkshire Police.
Officers in Keighley become the first in the UK to act as mentors for young mothers and daughters in the area in what has been hailed as a significant step forward in breaking down cultural barriers. The Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team have worked with young mums and pupils at Holycroft, Victoria and Eastwood Primary Schools which saw them raise the aspirations of the youngsters and empower their mothers to help them reach their full potential.
Together with other advisors, including some from the Leeds Rugby Foundation, the participants were given an overview of citizenship, the importance of education and the confidence to push themselves forward and become more involved in their communities. Leeds Rugby Foundation Executive Chairman, Paul Rowson added, ‘The Leeds Rugby Foundation strives to reach out and engage with all sections of the community and we are particularly pleased to play our part in this project which undoubtedly inspire people of all ages.’
Mosaic was set up in 2007 and, through its Futures programme, seeks to equip young girls and women across the UK with the skills they need with the support of role models from within communities and from business and politics.
Saad Awan, Yorkshire Regional Manager of Mosaic said, ‘We are overwhelmed by the feedback we have received from participants and proud of the success the programme has achieved to date. The Leeds Rugby Foundation and Leeds Metropolitan University have contributed significantly to that success and their unwavering support for the programme is testament to the great need for it. Mosaic seeks to increase the confidence of mothers with a view to helping them better support their daughter’s education. In Keighley, we now have over a hundred mothers who tell us they can.’ ‘I would like to extend special thanks to Greg Mulholland MP, Chief Inspector Mabs Hussain, Cllr Kannez Ahktar, Hamara’s Healthy Living Centre’s Anissa Riaz, Leeds Metropolitan University employees Joe Rossieter & the Get Ahead team and the Leeds Rugby Foundations’ Ikram Butt & Starr Zaman who have all shown unwavering commitment to the cause.’