ZRF Community Day launch

 Source: The Muslim News

 Children from St Marys CoE, St Cuthberts RC & Manchester Islamic Preparatory School took part in ZDF Community Day

Supported by FC United of Manchester and KD Grammar School, the Zesh Rehman Foundation (ZRF) organised a Community Day on March 23 for pupils from three primary schools in Manchester.

Premier League footballer and Pakistan skipper Zesh Rehman set up ZRF to promote community cohesion develop young people’s aspirations and encourage British Asian participation in football.

St Mary’s CofE, St Cuthbert’s RC and Manchester Islamic Preparatory School took part in day - designed to develop learning skills and teach children to interact with one another. The children were put into groups mixing children from each school together.

After the morning session of team building activities the children took part in a mini tournament competing in the newly formed teams.

ZRF North West Coordinator, Irfan Kawri told The Muslim News, “It’s great to see children from different faith schools... integrating and making new friends. We believe valuing diversity needs to start at a young age. After Mr Cameron clearly said, ‘Multiculturalism has failed in the UK’ we believe we need to break down barriers at grass roots level to help multiculturalism.”

KD crowned champs of People United Day

 Source: The Muslim News

 By Elham Asaad Buaras

 Picture: (Left) Irfan Kawri, KD Grammar students who won the tournament, (centre) Efetobore Sodje handing the trophy to Junaid Farooq and (right) Mohammed Asraf Sattar, acting headteacher.

Kassim Darwish (KD) Grammar School was crowned champions of People United Day. The football tournament was organised by FC United of Manchester at Bury College.

Manchester based KD won every match against other schools from Greater Manchester on February 19.

On March 9 the Nigerian International Efetobore Sodje visited KD school to present the students with their trophy.

He spoke about his career, his experience of playing in a 200 World Cup and his foundation. Two Year 8 students Danyal Kamran and Baasil Alam interviewed Sodje which is part of their report writing project in English.

Head of PE, Irfan Kawri, who invited Sodje to the school, said, “It is a great experience for our students to meet such a positive role model like Sodje he is an inspiration for our boys.”

Sodje said, “It’s a pleasure to come to such a warm, kind and caring environment, the staff, students and especially the Headteacher Mr Sattar are a credit to the school and I wish the students all the best for the future.”

In a statement to The Muslim News FC United’s Community and Education Manager, Robin Pye, said, “The purpose of People United Day is to get people from all the communities of Greater Manchester to stand together against racism.

“We believe it is our duty as a football club to provide an opportunity for that to happen. FC United are delighted to announce that this year’s People United Day is supported by KD Grammar School.”

FC United have been sending one of their coaches Steve Moth to work with the students who are taking part in the tournament.

Moth said, “The boys’ attitude and commitment has been outstanding. I have seen a clear improvement in their ability over the last few weeks. They are a credit to the school. The staff at KD Grammar have been very kind and made me feel very welcome. I have felt a real warm, friendly and caring environment at the school.”