Schools pack to tackle terrorism
A teaching pack for schools aimed at preventing religious extremism and violence has been launched by a West Yorkshire council.
Three of the 7/7 bombers, Siddique Khan, Shezad Tanweer and Hasib Hussain, came from the county and their actions form one of the modules in the booklet.
"Things do Change" looks at all the facets of terrorism and extremism.
Author Sail Khan Suleman, of Calderdale Council, said it asks: "Is religion the problem or the solution?"
'Information access'
Mr Suleman said: "What the pack will do is create an environment whereby discussions surrounding forms of extremism can take place; people will understand what it is to become a good citizen."
The pack contains teaching aids, interactive videos, DVDs and worksheets for people aged between 11 and 19.
"Individuals who show any path in becoming radicalised or fundamental in their thoughts or actions need to get access to independent information in what they are potentially getting into, and this work will hopefully take them away from what they were going to do," he added.
The teaching pack has already been taken up by other councils all over England, with interest from some police forces and the Home Office.
Mr Suleman said some umbrella Muslim organisations have decided to use the resources available in the packs - particularly the interactive project element, in an effort to reach any disaffected young people that may be looking for a way to express their feelings.
Source: BBC News 29th January 2009.
29th Jan 2009
