Family theme for Muslim Conference

The Conference will highlight the need to teach children the values of Islam

The need to foster family values and encourage Muslims to participate more actively in activities relating to religion, community welfare and sports will be among the highlights of the first National Muslim Convention due to be held in Auckland next week.

The Wellington based Federation of Islamic Associations in New Zealand (FIANZ) is organising the two-day event under the theme, Building Strong New Zealand Muslim Families on October 24 and 25 at the Wesley Community Centre (740 Sandringham Road Extension) in Mt Roskill, the main venue.

Business sessions will be held following the official inauguration at 930 am.

Organising Committee Chairman Daud Azimullah said Wesley Primary School (24 Potter Avenue, Mt Roskill) will be the venue for women to discuss a number of issues on October 24.

Workshops and lectures on ‘Raising Children with Values’ (by Alia Danzeisen), ‘Children’s Rights in Islam’ (Aisha Boulanouar) and ‘Children’s Rights from Conception and Beyond’ (Aleema Fatimah) will be among the highlights of the programme for women, he said.

Games for children, athletics, volleyball, netball, relay races and soccer for Under 12 and Under 15 are among the sporting activities to be held at the War Memorial Park (13 May Road, Mt Roskill) from 930 am to 430 pm on October 24 and from 930 am to 3 pm on October 25.

A public forum will be held on October 24 at 430 pm at the Mt Roskill War Memorial Hall adjacent to the Park.

Mr Daud said entertainment for children will include jumping castles, merry-go-round and amusement, while stalls selling food, artifacts and other items of interest will form a part of the event.

“The Convention aims to establish an annual event for New Zealander Muslims to meet along with their families and improve their participation in various activities.

“This has been designed as a Carnival to enable Muslims from various countries and groupings to come together for a common goal,” he said.

FIANZ will conduct its Annual Quran Competition, including recitation, general knowledge of Islam and oratory at the main venue.