Islamic University of Maldives introduces innovative approach to counter extremist narratives
Islamic University of Maldives introduces innovative approach to counter extremist narratives
12 May 2018
Islamic University of Maldives (IUM) introduces innovative approach to counter extremist narratives through the "Taboo - Dialogue with the youth" programme. The programme was inaugurated by the Minister of Gender & Human Rights Ms. Aminath Zenysha Shaheed Zaki in a special function held at the IUM.
Taboo programme aims to enable critical and constructive discussions on sensitive issues today's youth struggle, such as the issue of radicalization and recruitment of youth for violent activities, from contemporary, scientific and Islamic perspectives. The IUM aims to conduct this awareness programme’s sessions in every 2 months targeting youths of age 18-25 years.
Taboo programme is the first of its kind in Maldives to curb the issues of the youth. The format of the session contains a segment on the background of the topic through video presentations, statistics and science.
The topic covered in the first session was on "Depression". Dr. Arif Mohamed (Consultant Psychiatrist at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital) covered the background of the topic by a video presentation. The segment "depression from an Islamic perspective – Stories from Quran and Hadhith" was conducted by Dr. Ibrahim Zakariyya Moosa (Dean of Postgraduate Studies, IUM). The session to share the personal experiences of depression and exercises on relaxation were conducted by Ms. Aminath Shiura and Ms. Shiyama Anwar respectively. The programme concluded with an interactive questions and answers session.
National Counter Terrorism Centre signed an MOU with the Islamic University of Maldives earlier this year to collaborate on activities to counter radicalism and foster peace and harmony. The Taboo programme is the first programme by IUM in relation to Countering Violence Extremism.
