Teens see life through the lens

Sajid Mohammed and Sheraz Farooq with their peers who have created their own film on living as Muslims in Rochdale.

Teenagers who have created their own film on living as Muslims in Rochdale are backing a campaign to give young people interesting things to do on Friday and Saturday nights.

Members of “Don’t Hate Us, Rate Us”, based at Wardleworth and Hamer Youth Centre, recently filmed and produced 'Proud To Be Muslim', a DVD shot in one day in Rochdale which focuses on the reality of day-to-day life as a Muslim in the town.

The group meets every Friday night at the youth centre, where they discuss current affairs and other issues.

The boys-only group was set up after local residents reported that teenage boys were causing a nuisance on Friday evenings by hanging around and carrying out Anti Social Behaviour. Youth worker Mohammed Sheraz spoke to teenagers in the area and asked what they would like to do with their spare time. Many expressed a strong interest in news and current affairs, and harnessed their enthusiasm by creating 'Proud To Be Muslim'.

The teenagers filmed in a local Mosque and challenged negative preconceptions of the faith, interviewing local peace makers and members of the local Islamic community. It is hoped that the DVD will eventually be used as part of an education package for local schools and youth centres.

Mr Sheraz said: “Some of these young men used to cause trouble in their local community, but we have harnessed their creativity and they are now engaged in a really positive project. It’s so important for young people to have interesting activities to take part in on weekend evenings, when they want it the most.”

The launch of the film came last weekend as part of a Government campaign to give young people interesting things to do on Friday and Saturday nights.

The scheme is part of the Government’s Aiming High strategy for young people, which is providing £3.988m to between 2008 and 2011 Rochdale to ensure there are places to go and things to do for young people at weekends.