Salaam Peace would like to thank you to the following sponsors & partners:

www.salaampeace.org

(not Seb) T h e Sab G L O B A L S K I L L S P r o j e c t A REAL EAST END LEGACY

Brighter Futures

Author: Jeff Fernandez • Photographer: Sabera Bham FOREWORD

“Important and valuable concepts that enrich local communities”

was completing my MPhil in Sociology when was truly inspirational to me and very unique. I met Sab. He was an open and considerate Playing football with him was an even better person when I met him and he was also very experience, as I re-learnt the pass and move way interesting in the way he saw things and the of playing football. Only I could pass… but being Iway he saw football. He had a really good sense an old man… I could not move, but we won more of humour (his hidden quality). He helped me a matches than we lost together. His way of seeing lot to complete my MPhil which was on Asians things from sports to society is embedded in in football (following Sab’s team the Salaam Peace which makes it unique from All Stars) and this was sent to the FA with his other sports programmes, I feel. support and advice. I am pleased and honoured to be involved From this work that Sab supported, I received in Salaam Peace and its ideals and model of opportunities to complete work on other projects ‘building from within.’ These are important and as a result of my MPhil and this was always valuable concepts that enrich local communities something I was interested in doing. I would for the better. It is a bonus personally for me to often help on projects for the love of research be involved in this work. I hope Salaam Peace in sport. grows from this point in its development, to be an established unique sports programme which Meeting Sab was an opportunity for me to work stands out from the mainstream. on his projects and to evaluate them. Also it was enriching for me personally, as we would discuss football, sports and players for many hours… I am sure most people would think it was time ill spent, but Sab’s way of seeing things

Jeff Fernandez has worked alongside Salaam Peace since its inception in 2009. He has followed the development of the sports programme and documented its work over the past four years. Much of the work will hopefully illustrate that Salaam Peace is an important sports programme for East and can change young people’s lives.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 5 WELCOME CONTENTS

“At the heart of our work is using positive role models, who lead by example”

alaam Peace has April 2009 as the date 6 8 13 of our inception. The work and the philosophy we use are many, many years older than this. Salaam Peace uses the SEastern and Middle Eastern values of a teacher -pupil, master-student or mentor-mentee relationship. At the heart of our work is using 14 16 33 36 positive role models, who lead by example to provide opportunities for the community and its members. As the document will show we have had great success and high impact with our methodology. When we re-visit our work and this Real East End Legacy in the year 2020 we will show that as long as there is a need, Salaam 18 20 24 46 54 Peace, our staff, volunteers and partners will support the addressing of these needs. Welcome 4 Abdi Rashid 24 Paul Piper 40

I would like to thank all the participants, young Salaam Peace 6 Shehnaz 26 Future Cyclists 42 and not so young, the staff, volunteers, families Hackney Homes 8 Dwayne 28 Community Model 44 and all our partners, supporters and funders.

I would like to give special thanks to: Phil Poole 10 Azi 30 Easter Cup 2013 45

Role Models 12 Agne 32 Team Adisab 46 God, for guiding me to positive outcomes

and giving me strength and patience in Sporting Icons 13 Naz 33 Better Relationship 47 challenging times. Nugent 14 Zakariya 34 Bridge Ladies 48

My family, mum and dad, my children and my Erkan 16 Yas 35 Numeracy Counts 50 beautiful wife Nisha, who above all has shared my vision, my passion, providing me with love Marlon 18 Robert 36 Homework Club 51 and support in life and work. Hatice 20 Family Impact 37 Looking Forward 52

Mo-x 22 Wayne 38 Closing Thoughts 54

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 6 7 SALAAM PEACE

“Be the CHANGE in the community you want to see”

n the summer of 2006 the borough of Their aims are illustrated by the quote by Waltham Forest was the scene for a series of Sabir Bham: high-profile arrests involving local residents relating to the 7/7 terrorist attacks. These “Sport has always been a great forum to build Iarrests and the subsequent media attention in friendships, develop relationships and bring the borough increased the negative perceptions people together. To have the respect of the of the local British Muslim community who felt people that turn up and see them flourish is the brunt of the actions and attitudes of a small what makes it all worthwhile. It holds pride minority of ‘Muslims’ who carried out these of place above everything. We just try and do terrorist attacks. what we can and offer opportunities. If people take them and go onto bigger and better In response to this Salaam Peace felt a need to things, then great.” promote Islam as the peaceful religion it is and highlight the positive effect that young British “We try and provide positive role models who Muslims can bring to their communities. From lead by example and are prepared to give their this Salaam Peace was born and although sport is time, for us, seeing people develop both in their at its core, the programme provides a forum for sporting skills but more importantly in their local law enforcement and government agencies lives and personalities is the biggest thrill.” to become involved in their community through supporting the work of Salaam Peace. The idea of promoting local role models for Salaam Peace is a central and integral part It achieves this by working with communities to of the delivery of the programme. come together through the vehicle of sports. Salaam Peace promotes the togetherness and This paper explores this concept and hopefully mutual respect that sport can create. We illustrates it is a worthy and valuable concept develop positive role models for young people, to adopt. “We try and provide as this can be missing in some of their lives. positive role models “Seeing people develop both in their sporting skills but who lead by example more importantly in their lives and personalities and are prepared to is the biggest thrill” give their time” SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 9 HACKNEY HOMES A PERFECT PARTNER FOR SALAAM PEACE “Believe in going above and beyond the basic standards”

ab Bham has been working with Hackney The relationship has blossomed because of Homes since 2006. The relationship like-minded people working together for the began when setting up the KICKZ greater good. Jackie Loftus, Faisal Pirbhai programme in the London Borough Of and Sonia Bradley have a hunger to ensure the SHackney. The key people involved were Phil residents of Hackney, not just Hackney Homes Poole (Hackney Police), Freddie Hudson (Arsenal residents benefit from as much positive provision in the Community), Jackie Loftus (Hackney and support as they are able to provide. Jackie Homes) and Sab Bham. From the very beginning, and Faisal both grew up in Hackney, they the partnership was recognised nationally by the understand the needs of the local community. Football Foundation and the Hackney project This is the same for Sab, who also lived in was one of the few that actually delivered Hackney for most for his life. Salaam Peace provisions on a housing estate. Hackney Homes and Hackney Homes believe in going above and Sab continued to develop the relationship and beyond the basic standards. The vision is beyond KICKZ, this included work placements always about what can we do next, not admire and wider engagement programmes benefitting what we have already achieved. This makes the the residents on Hackney Homes estates as well partnership and relationship a success. as the wider community. Faisal said “Working with Sab and his team When the discussion around Salaam Peace began at Salaam Peace has been truly amazing for in 2008, Hackney Homes along with Hackney Hackney Homes; The energy, commitment Police were pivotal. In April 2009, Salaam Peace and the sheer enjoyment young people have officially set up as a community organisation. is true testament to the projects being Hackney Homes was a partner, supporting delivered in Hackney. project proposals with in-kind use of facilities and admin support. Hackney Homes was one of We (Hackney Homes) are very fortunate to the partners on the successful Friday Floodlight be working with Salaam Peace and hope that “The vision is always League application. In Dec 2012, the partnership the partnership will continue for years to between Salaam Peace and Hackney Homes was come because of the wonderful difference it about what can we formalised. This included funding the newly is making to residents of Hackney” do next not admire branded Hackney Homes SP Friday League for a minimum of 2 years, in-kind use of office space what we have and a joint agreement to develop provisions already achieved” across Hackney over the next 3-5 years.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 11 The contribution made by Phil Poole to the inception and development of the Salaam “ PHIL POOLE Peace Community Engagement Programme is huge. Phil both as a friend and in his role winners of the as Hackney Borough Partnership Sergeant Phil Poole Cup” “Make positive headway in their young and supported the identified need that Salaam Peace were proposing to address. Phil’s often incredibly challenging lives” strategic support and his personal support to Director of Community Engagement, aving served with the police in the The ground-breaking Salaam Peace initiative Sab Bham is viewed in great regard. Hackney Borough for 22 years, arose out of tragic events nationally and worked voluntarily with Hackney brought police closer to the Muslim community In recognition of Phil’s contribution and youth projects for many of those years in Hackney and elsewhere at a time when such Hand having met many positive youth role models, cohesion was and remains a concern of the Home lasting legacy on the way Salaam Peace work, locally led and driven, we are pleased I was only too aware that many young people Office. The strength of Salaam Peace lay in the to call our Faith Schools Competition were able, often against tremendous odds, to young stakeholders from the local community, the Phil Poole Cup. make positive headway in their young and often without whom it would not have been possible. incredibly challenging lives. I am only too pleased to work with Sab who I was fortunate enough to meet Sab Bham rightly deserves the recent Unsung Hero of through the Kickz programme in Hackney and London Award from the BBC. I wish him and was tremendously impressed by his willingness his colleagues every success in every aspect and can do attitude where nothing seemed of their ambitions. too much trouble. The above facts combined to reveal a pathway to self-achievement for many young people through the medium of sporting activity.

The commitment to, shared aims of and demonstrated potential for youth led community cohesion shown by Phil, Sab and colleagues was recognised by funding bodies such as the Metropolitan Police Authority, Hackney Homes, surrounding borough local authorities including Waltham Forest and Metropolitan Police, providing sustainability to the programme.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 13 ROLE MODELS SPORTING ICONS

“Seen as motivating factors that can inspire and drive players further” Colin Nell & Tim Prendergast

he idea of role models in sport has This concept of the role model will be examined olin Nell has enjoyed an outstanding been published extensively in the through the work of Salaam Peace Community career as a football freestyler. His press for the past decade. Role Engagement Programme and the work of its charismatic personality as well as his models from sport can have great director Sab Bham. The case studies shown in awareness of our “Mission” makes Tinfluence in arenas outside the sporting world. this paper will explore the realm of influence CColin our close friend and asset in all our high This has gained more attention as the family positive local role models can have to change profile events. and patriarchy has declined in Western culture. and shape young people’s lives through Particularly for boys, with the increase of single Salaam Peace. Colin has had an international profile including parent families, greater individual choice and starring in the Timberland Video “The way lifestyle has weakened the structures of the I are,” and recent media campaigns with family to create a social void. The phenomenon Bollywood superstar Sharukh Khan. Colin always is described in some academic circles as gives time for Salaam Peace and is a valued masculinity in ‘crisis’ and the idea of role member of the SP family. models has grown to try and fill this void (Whannel, 2005). im Prendergast began to lose his eyesight at the age of eight. Within Role models have been important in the studies 5 years he lost 90% of his vision. on sport from the work that was conducted Despite this hug setback Tim found by Cashmore (1982). Role models for black Treal enjoyment in running. Success was not a sportsmen and women were influential upon given and Tim tried and failed in many races creating realistic and tangible goals for black as a junior. children to aspire to. However, the importance of role models has been debated and has been In 2004 Tim represented New Zealand at his criticised as simplistic. It can limit the way some second Paralympic Games in Athens, winning a people see themselves. For people can become gold medal in the T13 800 metres contest. fixated that sport is the only avenue for black people to move up in society and this is a process Tim met Sab in 2007 and mentored Erkan of reduction and stereotyping that can limit and Ozerek through his studies and sporting damage a part of society. ambitions. The result is clear to see as Erkan is the benchmark for all young people to aspire to. Tim is a key part of Salaam Peace and is able to inspire all in sport and life with his fantastic personality and humility.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY Tim Prendergast at the Brighter Futures event at Springfield Park 15 NUGENT

“The Engine of Salaam Peace”

have been blessed to have known Nugent Richards since 1998. During this period I have learnt with him and from him. We have experienced the many challenges of engaging communities together. 15 years Ilater we are still out on the ground providing opportunities for the local communities in North and East London.

Nugent is the ultimate professional, always organised, on time, prepared and has and continues to give 100% in everything he does. Salaam Peace, the staff, volunteers, participants and the community have all benefitted from his vast knowledge and commitment. Without Nugent, Salaam Peace would be missing the driving force, the engine.

From a personal point of view, Nugent has worked with 3 of my 4 children to date (Esa next). For Azi, now 14, Nugent has supported his development, both as an all-round athlete and as a mature young man. Azi has been coached by Nugent ever since he could run and now has been shadowing Nugent and learning how to be a Community Engagement Officer. Nugent has so much passion for all he does and I hope and pray that we continue to develop Salaam Peace but more importantly we continue to build our life-long friendship.

“Salaam Peace, the staff, volunteers, participants and the community have all benefitted from his vast knowledge and commitment”

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 17 ERKAN

“The power sport can play in bringing young people together and creating positive attitudes”

was first introduced to Sab during my Once I finished my degree I continued to work years and was drawn to the and volunteer my time with Salam Peace opportunity to play sport amongst my peers which proved to be very rewarding. When the in school and the community. I continued opportunity to work in a school came about, with Ito participate up to the age of 16; it was these the experience and knowledge I had gained from years where Sab was more of a mentor to myself Sab I was accepted by the school. Ultimately I and many others, showing us the power sport would like to pursue a career in teaching and can play in bringing young people together and carry on working with young people, continuously creating positive attitudes. providing those from ethnic minority groups and low income families the opportunity to access When I left school and started college Sab funded both education and sport. my FA level 1 and gave me the opportunity to work alongside him; beginning my path to This has now led me to a trainee teacher post at becoming someone who can provide young my Lammas. I am now working people with the opportunities I was given. Sab in the Maths department and being mentored was able to show me how sport can be used as very well by Nisha Bham. The work on Numeracy a medium to tackle issues of social exclusion, Counts has allowed both my passion for sports particularly with those from low income families and education to combine learning. who cannot access the high prices some clubs charge. For me the highlight of these sessions was that they gave participants the chance to display and develop leadership qualities in a safe environment, inevitably leading to confidence building which can be transferred to their daily lives.

“This has now led me to a trainee teacher post at my secondary school Lammas”

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 19 “Salaam Peace for me has shown me that family extends beyond blood”

ab and I met during my teenage years Through Sab’s Islamic values and sheer which for many prove to be the vital kindness he introduced me to the Leyton years that lay the foundation for your All-Stars football team where I attained my future. As with most kids I was an FA Level 1 certification. I grew in confidence Sambitious and highly talented person. The and was able to take leadership roles problem I found was there were few black with groups of kids conducting training role models to set a positive example, not sessions, tournaments and other all day to say they don’t exist, just that the media family events. These skills I developed have chooses to publicise what they feel is suitable helped me academically and professionally for societies and communities. Meeting with and I am now in my final year of my MSc in Sab was greatly received as the youths he was Telecommunications Engineering at a G5 MARLON working with were all inspirational individuals university in London. and have all aspired to becoming: Teachers, Law Enforcers, Network Engineers and many Salaam Peace for me has shown me that more respectable occupations. Sab via Leyton family extends beyond blood. I am a All-Stars now grown to Salaam Peace has practising Christian and I have many Islamic created a community and faith awareness brothers. I enjoy spending time learning about by provide valuable skills and activities that the Islamic faith as well as sharing my beliefs encourages youths that they can be more and practices, realising that, although our than what society pigeon holes us to be. beliefs may have its differences, we are all God’s children and all our brothers’ keepers. The time spent with Salaam Peace has given me an appreciation that although we are all unique and seen as an individual, our lives in some way or another is linked. It is important to do the best we can in all we do and be considerate of other around us because one candle can light many candles causing a great light for others to see.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 21 HATICE

“Being a part of Salaam Peace is like being a part of a family, I always feel welcomed”

was introduced to Sab and Salaam Peace via a friend, Zakariya Ahmed, due to my interest in the Salaam Peace events he had told me about and also wanting to fill my spare time. I joined around a year ago and was Iwelcomed warmly into the Salaam Peace team.

I started out by attending weekly gym sessions at Kings Hall Leisure Centre then continued from there. Sab would inform us of a diverse range of upcoming events and eventually I attended most of them such as football tournaments, visits to the Olympic Park and many more. I then continued from participating to volunteering. I currently help Sab run bike sessions at Lammas School on a weekly basis. Now, with the support of Sab, I have begun to apply for funding to start my own events through organisations such as O2 Think Big and UnLtd.

Being a part of Salaam Peace is like being a part of a family. I always feel welcomed by everyone and there is always an event or outing to attend, not only giving me something to do, but also enabling me to develop important skills needed in future life. I have improved my communication and confidence levels through events, training courses and also real life scenarios “I then continued whilst with Salaam Peace, for example, having to stand up and deliver an unexpected speech. This can from participating be extremely nerve racking, however afterwards your confidence improves through experience and you feel to volunteering, I a sense of accomplishment. currently help Sab Now I continue to volunteer and participate in events. run bike sessions at I have also recently become a part of the media team, Lammas school on a which I am looking forward to and hope I continue to progress with Salaam Peace. weekly basis” Hatice

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 23 “Salaam Peace has helped me assimilate back into society, developed my skills and supported me”

met Sabir from Salaam Peace at a prayer Salaam Peace has shown me that I can be a service one Friday in September 2009. Muslim and a British Citizen and be proud Sabir was invited by the Prison Imam to to be both. Despite many people’s views, speak to the inmates about Salaam Peace Islam is not anti-British and the West is Iand the projects they run in North and not anti-Islam. East London. On achieving my qualifications, I will support MO-X On release in March 2010, I met up with Sabir the team with running the newly formed at the Albirr Foundation Mosque in Leyton. development centres and generate income by He invited me to go to the gym at Kelmscott refereeing on the weekends. Salaam Peace with him a few times. After becoming familiar has helped me assimilate back into society, with him and other members of Salaam Peace, developed my skills and supported me through I joined the SP Hackney Football Team. this road I am travelling on.

I have completed a whole season with the The support I received included: small group team, made a host of new friends and applied participation programmes, 1-2-1 discussion to do my FA Level 1 and refereeing courses in work, target setting, access to volunteering the summer of 2011. I recently volunteered at and training. the successful Easter Cup event.

Salaam Peace has inspired me to be a productive member of the community. While at Pentonville, the Imam educated me and others on Islamic views of extremism and violence. This, as I now know, is against Islam.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 25 “Salaam Peace has had a positive and significant impact in my life and the lives of many of my friends”

first met Sab and was exposed to the Currently, thanks to Salaam Peace I’m important work Salaam Peace do at undertaking my Duke of Edinburgh Gold a 9 a-side football tournament. It was a award and looking to get into coaching very successful competition, getting people football. Salaam Peace has had a positive and Ifrom some of the more deprived boroughs significant impact in my life and the lives of of London together. I saw and realised that many of my friends and I’m looking to carry on their work in getting young people in the local volunteering with them. community engaged in activities, whether sporting or not, was vital and phenomenal. I have been a key part of the SP Cycling project and completed my Bike Maintenance Prior to meeting Sab, I was not a part of any Course in November. I will support the delivery projects in my community and lacked the of the 2013 project that starts in March. I have self-confidence to play for a football team. used my bike now as my main form of travel, Through volunteering for Salaam Peace and where possible I cycle everywhere. I have also playing for the football club I developed as reluctantly learnt to use a helmet! a player and a person, gaining important transferable skills such as self-confidence, I am leading the SPORTED project at Millfields, people management and leadership. have obtained my full referee qualification and support the U21s team. I hope to develop even Particularly because of the kindness and the more in the coming months. I am moving to genuine concern Sab has for young people, Leicester in September and, with Ismail, ABDI it has inspired me to take a more active role aim to develop the SP Leicester project in my community by setting up a team and as the need there is equal to East London, entering in the Friday League created and or even more. RASHID run by Sab and the team at Salaam Peace.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 27 SHEHNAZ

“Engage with other young people and give back to the community”

have always been very academic, receiving recruit some of the young people Salaam Peace top grades in my GCSEs and A Levels and work with for the project, such as Yas, who has I am about to start the second year of my recently organised a sports event at Lloyd Park. Psychology degree at UCL. Salaam Peace I have also set up S Press, a Media Team, to Ihas been fundamental in helping me to develop offer young people the chance to develop their outside of education. Running the Positive Routes media skills and support Salaam Peace and other homework club over the last two years has given organisations by publicising their events. Like me the opportunity to share my knowledge of others in the Salaam Peace team, I have been different subjects with other young people. supported by Caroline Murray from Live UnLtd to The homework club gives young people access obtain the funding to run this. to laptops, printers, my support and a relaxed environment where they can do homework with Being part of Salaam Peace has given me their friends. The fact that the homework club is the opportunity to engage with other young free for young people to attend is very important people and give back to the community. This is to me because it makes it accessible for those something I now do for Salaam Peace, Waltham who cannot afford tuition or do not have Forest Young Advisors and as a transition computer access at home. mentor at UCL. Sab places a great emphasis on actively trying to solve the problems that This year I have become more involved with we see in the community, rather than sitting other pieces of work for Salaam Peace. Thanks around complaining about them. Salaam Peace to Sab’s recommendation, I am now a youth has helped me to become a well-rounded and worker for the Lloyd Park Young Champions proactive individual and continues to inspire both project, run by Groundwork. I have helped to myself and everyone else involved.

“Sab places a great emphasis on actively trying to solve the problems that we see in the community, rather than sitting around complaining about them”

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 29 ab and I met when I was a this I was able to work and lead young people troublesome, loud 13 year old in various sports sessions, organise and run attending Tom Hood School. I was tournaments and also pass on the mentoring always keen on playing football, but experience I gained from interacting and Salways found myself in some kind of trouble working with Sab and Salaam peace. These in school. I found I had no real role models skills helped me to progress onto education to look up to. I had troubles at home and and eventually leading behaviour management found the outlet of sport to be great. Upon in a local secondary school. meeting Sab and seeing the young people he was working with I found a medium of other The time I spent with Salaam Peace was disaffected young people like myself who were invaluable to my growth. It helped me to all keen to better ourselves but had no one grow as a young man, wanting to help young to look up to. Sab being of a different ethnic people in society and breaking down barriers, background made it challenging on my home whether it being in areas (postcodes), racial life as my parents are from strict Christian or sexuality. Salaam Peace was and continues backgrounds and had a very “Old School to be pivotal in my growth, my working with Jamaican” way of thinking. different types of people and adults. I class Sab not only as a mentor but a very close Sab was instrumental in my life in a way member of my family who I continue to look where I wanted to emulate what he does and up to and what amazing work he continues help young people who are disengaged from to do. Salaam Peace has shown that although society for all different means. Sab allowed I maybe Christian but I have many brothers me to volunteer at 15 years old where I was and Sisters who are from other faiths and the able to coach and be a leader with my peers understanding of Islam has aided in my growth. at a football session at my school. From this I was asked to take part in playing for Words cannot describe the amazing work Leyton All Stars where I could work with my and effect Sab continues to have on my peers. The skills that were attributed to us life. Salaam Peace has and continues to DWAYNE weren’t just of a sports nature but also other be “great.” Without this I would not have leadership and mentoring qualities. Playing been able to achieve the things I have with people who were similar to me helped and continue to have the hunger and in my development from a teenager into a determination to affect young people’s young man. Through Sabs vision and his values lives, making a better London. he helped me gain my Level 1 & 2 in coaching “I found a medium of other football and also various other qualifications in sports and working with young people. This disaffected young people helped with my confidence and overcame my like myself who were all introvert personality which made me more keen to better ourselves but outgoing and confident in my own ability. From had no one to look up to” SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 31 AZI

“In Waltham Forest, Unltd, has provided the base for everything that has followed”

I have been involved with Salaam Peace from at Low Hall with me and my mates, and then I the outset. To have been here and seen how look at it now, a well-known organisation where Salaam Peace has developed is just amazing. a vast amount of people take part in positive My journey with Salaam Peace started in 2009. activities which will help shape their lives in Sab told me about an organisation called UnLtd a positive way. who offer funding for youth-led, community based projects. After a few successful meetings This gave me the confidence to lead and direct with William Jacks from UnLtd I was awarded how provisions could be set up based on young £500 to run the SP Cup, a local football people’s demands and needs. Since then I have tournament with the aim of using sport to led other projects including Run Dem Crew bring unity in the community. This gave me the Youngers - a running project funded by UnLtd and motivation to become a leader and to do more an O2 Think Big Cycling project, with the hope of “I hope that others see this for the community. leading many more in the future. At this stage of my life, myself and my peers After continuing my hard work, in March 2013 and follow my example to were spending a lot of our spare time on the I won the Waltham Forest Young Citizen of the street doing nothing. Nothing positive could Year Award. All of my thanks go to Sab for all his what can be achieved” come from this so when Will encouraged me to continuous support, Will from UnLtd for always apply for a larger pot of funding, the only answer going out of his way to support me- he did not was yes. With a lot of support from Sab we set have to but he understood that there was a need up the SP24 project, an initial 24 week project for this work, and he was right, look what has using a variety of sports to engage young people followed. Thanks also go to Caroline from UnLtd from Waltham Forest in positive activities. To my as she gave me a huge amount of support when surprise the project was successful, with over 30 I ran the Run Dem Crew Youngers project; again young people attending the project each week. she did not have to, she wanted to. Thanks to her a few of my peers have received funding UnLtd has been the catalyst for many of from UnLtd to run projects. Salaam Peace’s provisions in Waltham Forest. It all started from UnLtd. So for those of you But let’s not dwell on awards, we’re not wondering how Salaam Peace’s great work Manchester City, there is much more work to started, you now have an answer. The SP Cup be done. I regularly volunteer my time for was the basis for all that followed: the Salaam Team Adisab (no, this was not a typo), and Peace football teams, the Positive Routes am a passionate sportsman. I hope in time, programme and all of the awards that Sab and that many follow my example and ‘Be the the organisation have received. It amazes me Change in the Community.’ that this all started with a small tournament

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 33 AGNE

“We are all working as a team which is fantastic”

gne starting attending our group gym sessions and cycling programmes through support NAZ from Erkan Ozerek. Erkan is now a trainee Maths teacher at Lammas School and also an Aengagement officer for Salaam Peace. Over the last six months, Agne, Ausrine, Linda and Schkoter, among “I conquered many fears and challenges others have excelled. Agne, in particular, has been outstanding in all disciplines. since I’ve known Sab and I’d like to thank him for that” Agne is a fantastic young lady: hardworking, organised and a pleasure to work with. We see her as part of the future of Salaam Peace, both as a participant (hopefully in the 2020 Olympics) and as a leader on outreach programmes. met Sab when I was around 10 years old conquered many fears and challenges since Agne will begin her volunteering journey in September and I’m now 23. I was first introduced to I’ve known Sab and I’d like to thank him for supporting our work with Edinburgh School. We hope she him by my step-dad at a football training that. Sport will forever be my future thanks to follows the example of Erkan Ozerek and Dwayne Uylett, I in . Sab making it such a wonderful time. both products of the Salaam Peace legacy programme and now key members of staff at Lammas School and As a female that loves to play sport, I’m currently looking for positions within sport Salaam Peace. particularly football, at that time it was development or working with disabled people hard to find anywhere that could cater. in sport. Coming back from volunteering during

Agne said of her experience to date, “I always enjoyed the Paralympics has changed my views and I taking part in sports and they are a part of my everyday I attended all football training sessions and find disabled sport challenging but rewarding. routine. It all started by going to the school’s gym on more with Sab. Sab gave knowledge and Thanks to Sab for making me who I am today: Tuesday with my friends. After a while our coach and experience during my time under him and a young confident female who is ready to take teacher Mr. Ozerek informed us that there are salaam has helped shape my future. Most of all, my the sporting world by storm. Peace gym sessions at Peter May so myself and my friends sporting qualifications that I have earned Karina, Ausrine, Linda and Schuta decided to go. After were due to the help of Sab allocating Having completed my degree in the field of “I always enjoyed taking I got to know everyone better I can confess that we are me and funding them also. sports, I currently work at Nike Town (Sab all working as a team which is fantastic. Within the has always wished it was the Adidas Store) part in sports and they I have had many experiences with Sab, and volunteer for Salaam Peace. Sab still are a part of my every hard work we have fun at the same time. I really want to encourage young people to start a healthier lifestyle working within schools, external projects encourages me in all areas of life and I am day routine” and join our Salaam Peace family.” and amusement days. The impact that he has hopeful that I will progress into a career in had on me are vital and important. I have teaching and/or community engagement.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 34 35 ZAKARIYA YA S

“The journey has also taught me how to maintain “Never give up on what I enjoy doing, the right balance in being a British Muslim” because it always pays off in the end”

joined Salaam Peace 3 years ago through an y name is Yasine and I have a huge passion honourable member of the organisation, for football. Sab and I met back in 2009 Paul Piper, who at the time was the Police when I used to go to his football sessions at lead for the Cadets in Hackney. Ever since Low Hall. I attended the first session and I II have joined my sporting abilities have Mreally enjoyed it. Since then, I hadn’t missed a session vastly improved. because I knew it was always going to be something fun and enjoyable as well as something that would help me Through my experience I have also gained improve at what I love doing the most. Through these coaching qualifications which has enabled me sessions with Salaam Peace, I made new friends, met to join the Salaam Peace team. inspirational people like Tim Prendergast and became a better footballer, all with the help of the likes of Keon, I now participate in the adults football team and Abdi, Nug and Sab. the regular gym sessions which are run by Salaam Peace in my local area. My experience has I gradually started getting involved with Salaam Peace also taught me to prioritise my religion before by taking part in tournaments. Then I started to play in anything else and not to conform with the social the football team for the past 2 seasons. This has had a norms of modern society which could lead to huge impact on me as it has made me a better footballer, breaking the rules of my faith. built up my confidence and made me a better person overall, as I have developed new skills and learnt new The journey has also taught me how to maintain things. I am currently in year 11 doing my GCSE’s and I’m the right balance in being a British Muslim. The also a volunteer at Salaam Peace. I help out in primary likes of Sab, Abdi Rashid, Keon and Nug have schools, tournaments and coaching young children from helped me develop my skills to such a level the ages of 3 to the ages of 12. From taking part on all where I can be of benefit to the young people of of these things with Salaam Peace, it has allowed me my local area. to experience new opportunities in life, develop my skills, meet and work with new people and has inspired I thank Allah for creating an organisation such me in many different things. Throughout all the years I as Salaam Peace which has enabled many young have been a part of Salaam Peace watching Sab do what people to excel in their own individual ways he loves has showed me to never give up on what I enjoy within their own communities. doing, because it always pays off in the end.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 36 37 “attending the club has allowed meROBERT to FAMILY IMPACT gain extra help.” obert Dowe has been instrumental meet Sab at a point in my life when there were “Salaam Peace is real, the leaders set in developing our partnership with many attractions, not all good. Sab supported YOUR MOVE estates and letting me both as a footballer but more importantly an example. They always show the way agents. Robert is a product of the as a young man. I won a cup final for Sab Rlegacy programme. Between the ages of 13- and although i’d dreamed of playing as a pro thing should be done” 18 Robert was a regular attendee on various goalkeeper, I have made a success in sales and am a single parent who lives in role-models for them. Due to having an programmes delivered by Salaam Peace lettings. I wanted to give something back to my Walthamstow Central. I have 3 children, older brother in the house that is not a good Director of Engagement, Sab Bham. community and to Sab/Salaam Peace. I arranged all boys. My older son has been isolated example, it is so important for us to have the a meeting with my manager for Sab and the rest and got himself into trouble over the past provisions in place for the younger ones. Robert recently addressed participants at the is what we have today.” Ifew years mainly due to substance misuse E17 Community Cup in June 2013. Over 250 children, young people and adults were The relationship with YOUR MOVE is based issues. He has also on the youth and criminal Salaam Peace is real, the leaders set an present to celebrate the partnership that has on the fact that Robert is one of our own. justice system for violence and theft. example. They always show the way things seen YOUR MOVE support the Salaam Peace Alongside the support for kits etc we have should be done. The language, the appearance BRIDGE project in E10 and E17 as well as new agreed work placements for local participants My 2 other children thankfully have the Salaam and the time given means these are role- uniform for staff and a brand new kit for the to ensure our young people and young adults Peace project to give them a good outlet and models. Local examples of what can be SP Utd U10s team and coaching staff. increase their employability levels. We thank provide fantastic provisions. My 2 sons take achieved. I hope that my 2 younger sons the management, staff and volunteers at part in the multi-sports sessions, homework will start volunteering and then follow the Robert was goalkeeper for the Cup Final winning YOUR MOVE and look forward to a developing club and have now started going to the gym. lifestyles of Keon, Abdi and Sab. AC Leyton Team in 2005. Robert spoke to the relationship for many years to come. Sab, Keon and Abdi have been strong gathered hundreds saying, “I was fortunate to

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 38 39 have known Sab now just over 25 years. exchange of numbers me and Sab met up We first met in secondary school and took again in summer 2011. Sab showed me the a big liking to him. 5 years later we met Salaam Peace website when we met, I went up again through our passion of football home and read some encouraging and nice Iat one of the top local teams in Hackney. I comments made by current volunteers and noticed the more time I spent with him, that past people about Sab and his contributions so he was different, reminded myself of me in far to his whole community. The more I read many ways. His ability at football and the about the Salaam Peace concept and meaning, his maturity amongst the older guys was eye bringing all Communities together creating catching. opportunities for young people, BME groups, male and female. After the team folded I never saw Sab for at least 5-7 years until one summer holiday, I couldn’t but admire him and it was then I I took my son Kane to a football session at felt his message appealed to my children as Well Street Common, Sab was leading it. well. We had similar issues effecting our two Already there was now a turnaround in our different communities. We met up, broke friendship, neither knowing this journey is bread and since that day have not looked to continue. back. Sab invited me, my volunteers and children to all future Salaam Peace events. Over the years to come I then went on to serve my local youth club Springfield 15 years Meeting Sab again has now become the most service of youth work, mentor, football coach, positive action in my life since I lost my best WAYNE manager of teams and then head of football friend three year ago through gun crime and before time took its course and I knew it was mistaken identity. I thank Sab for entering time to make my own. I spent 5 years at the mine and the young community of volunteers of Sport East London. I approached and young people I had/have working with me. the local Head Park Ranger at Springfield I acknowledge Sab has a very big personality and told him my ideas and plans. He gave and very important person to me and my me an area in the park on a trial basis in the family more than ever. The encouragement, beginning and we are still there now three love and support he shows everyone, even years later. the jokes and banter with me and even family makes Sab more than just a brother from a “Deliver on every estate promoting, peace, Melvin the Head of Lea Valley and Sab had different mother, more my silent soul brother dialogue where my name came up, after an and now life guide. togetherness and community harmony”

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 41 strong work ethic. The youth that work with Sab PAUL PIPER are head and shoulders above other youth I have met and worked with on the numerous projects in London and epitomise Sabs’ character. I often “To get all communities, regardless of religion or culture, ponder what Sab would be capable of if Salaam Peace was financially supported like other working together to promote youth of London today” charity groups.

uring the course of my role as community in a positive light in modern day Sab continually motivates young men and women the Hackney Volunteer Police Britain but to get all communities, regardless of to volunteer their time to assist in the running of Cadet Coordinator, a role which I religion or culture, working together to promote the multitude of projects he delivers, inspiring undertook in 2008, I was introduced youth of London today. Sab and his family youth to be more and do more. Breaking down Dto Sab through the Metropolitan Police Service have worked tirelessly on projects where he is blinkered glass ceilings for inner city London Partnership unit. continually forced to rally around for financial youth who under his tutelage now attend support to ensure that annual events continue. university, seek gainful employment and Sab uses sport as a unifying force to promote continue to volunteer and give back to their community cohesion and personal wellbeing This year has been a hugely successful year for communities. These really are the positive within the communities he works in. Salaam Salaam Peace where the project, Sab and the seeds for futures to come. Peace goes a step further than just using sports youth have been awarded numerous awards

as a tool through to which to mediate with for their contributions to the community. The Sab has contributed to youth, promotion of youth. They run a very complex and varied pinnacle of these awards was where Sab’s diversity and community cohesion in London. programme which promotes all five points of twenty plus years of working with youth were the Every Child Matters policies. Over the last recognised at the BBC Sports Personality of the few years I have witnessed Salaam Peace evolve Year where he collected the London Unsung Hero into a wider community engagement programme and finished runner-up at the nationally televised which delivers events such as its flagship event event. This is all testament to Sab’s stoic, can the Eid Cup. do attitude and continually going the extra mile to deliver a project that not only engages with Sab is responsible for overseeing volunteering, youth through sport but more importantly sets sports clubs, homework clubs, bicycle workshops, out discipline and social life skills that will coaching and leadership courses. The project hold the youth in good stead for the rest of installs respect, discipline and community their lives. spirit amongst the youth that attend. Using a number of tactics to both promote Having had the opportunity to work with some “The youth that the positive elements of Islam and develop of the youth he works with on a bicycle project work with Sab are opportunities for its members to volunteer, I was impressed with their social skills. All the train and gain employment. youth would seek out the staff in charge, greet head and shoulders them and at the end would thank them. All the above other youth Sab rallies support from local Imams, Community youth possess the confidence to communicate Police, Government agencies, Sponsors and with adults, work as part of a team or on their I have met and volunteers to promote not only the Islamic own using their own initiative and possess a worked with on the numerous projects” SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 42 FUTURE CYCLISTS

Victoria Pembleton and Erkan Ozerek inspire a new generation of female cyclists

ictured here are female students from for them and the pupils of the school. A keen The Lammas School and Sports College cyclist, a member of the maths team, a talented taking part in a Bike Back project. sportsman and a former student makes Erkan a The project is funded by ELBA (East real role model to inspire all pupils. PLondon Business Alliance) as one of many around the Olympic legacy initiative. The Bike Back The success of all the programmes Salaam project is a partnership between the school Peace deliver has been from locally developed and locally based award winning Community participants becoming leaders who then inspire Engagement Programme Salaam Peace. The aim others towards achievement. This achievement of the project is to use cycling as an engagement varies from individual to individual. For all tool to develop skills and learning in a positive successful projects with females having people activity utilising the great cycling landscape in like Victoria Pembleton to follow supports the the Lea Valley and Marsh Lane area. The school process. The feel good factor after 2012 and identify pupils who they feel are in need of an the female cycling group riding up to the intervention to support their learning and Olympic Park has meant that the Olympic social development. dream is a reality on our door step.

The group taking part this term is an all girl’s The next stage of development will be group. The success of our cyclists at the 2012 signposting these girls to volunteering and Olympic games and the great role models such training so like Erkan they too can continue their as Victoria Pembleton has inspired these young development but support many more females ladies to take up cycling. More closer to home (and males) for generations to come. is the positive role model that Erkan Ozerek is

“The feel good factor after 2012 and the female cycling group riding up to the Olympic Park has meant that the Olympic dream is a reality on our door step” SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 45 COMMUNITY MODEL EASTER CUP 2013

“Salaam Peace has created a “The theme was unity among Christianity and close knit community” Islam as well as shared values in the community”

he inception of Salaam Peace or the organised sports sessions that could cope with a date the organisation was formed is group of disabled children and their additional he Easter Cup took place at recorded as April 2009. However, as needs, proved to be challenging. Lammas School and Sports College we have seen and will see throughout on Tuesday 2nd April 2013 and once Tthis “Real East End Legacy” document, that the In 2013, WFAMG began working with Salaam again showed how Salaam Peace can ideals, philosophy and social values have come Peace to deliver weekly multi-sports sessions Tbring communities together. The event is funded together after years of development. for children and young people with disabilities, by the Church of England’s Near Neighbours to increase their fitness and participation in Programme. The theme was introduced to the The underlying aim of Salaam Peace was to sports. This project has been well received gathered participants by Erkan Ozerek, a positive create an engagement programme that was by participants, staff and volunteers alike role model of Salaam Peace and a member of locally led, driven and developed. The best and together we hope to continue and staff at Lammas. The theme was unity among example of this is the model in Waltham Forest, increase provision, as well as develop Christianity and Islam as well as shared values in around the Markhouse and Lea Bride Road area. our partnership further. the community. Over 350 children, young people and young adults aged 8-25 took part. Salaam Peace has created a close knit The close working relationship with all these community, working closely with: organisations and groups has created a blue-print The Leyton Met Police team took part in the • Edinburgh School of how a local area can benefit from a strategic 16+ tournament and showed real community • GLL/Walthamstow Leisure Centre partnership. This eliminates duplication and cohesion. Participants included ex-prisoners • South Grove School also ensures that local skills and knowledge are and young offenders, girls and women and • Masjid-e-Abu Bakr utilised. We see this as the way forward and as participants from across North and East London. • a model we have replicated in Hackney. • Waltham Forest Asian Women’s Group The sport was supplemented by workshops on • Lammas School An example of the success of this model was Street Safety, Knife Crime Awareness, sexual • The Church the staff hit-4-six cricket competition that took health and sports physiotherapy. • Ward Councillors place at Lammas School in June 2013. Over • The Safer Neighbourhood Police teams £300 was raised for the SP Real East End Legacy In a time of conflict across the world and locally Programme and gave local staff/volunteers the news stories of gangs and violence, this event WFAMG is passionate about high quality services opportunity to enjoy a sporting event bringing showed a positive image of the community and “Over 350 children, for disabled children and young people. For some everyone together to raise valuable funds for a why Salaam Peace is a unique award winning young people and time, our Carers have expressed concern that positive project. This has led to local Estate and organisation. The Easter Cup successfully brought their disabled children and young people are Letting agents YOUR MOVE becoming a partner together near neighbours from a variety of faiths young adults aged becoming overweight due to a lack of regular and supporting the BRIDGE project as well as the and ethnic and cultural backgrounds. exercise. However, finding local accessible and SP Utd football teams. 8-25 took part”

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 46 47 GROUP GYM DYNAMIC GLL, A BETTER RELATIONSHIP TEAM ADISAB “The group gym session brings together up “Personally welcome all our participants, to fifteen young people, male and female, making them feel that they are valued ages fourteen to twenty-one” users of their facility”

art of the Salaam Peace Positive Routes The group that have been attending the Kings ince 2009 Salaam Peace has worked Over the last 6 months the great initiatives offer includes a group gym session. We Hall session has highlighted the Salaam Peace closely with GLL (Greenwich Leisure we have delivered at Walthamstow Leisure have one in Waltham Forest at Peter model of participation through positive activity, Limited). However Sab and Nug have Centre and the continued relationship with May and one in Hackney at Kings Hall. leading on to volunteering, training and been working at Mabley Green and the management team and staff has meant PThe Hackney gym session was originally funded employment. SKelmscott (Walthamstow) Leisure Centre since events like the E17 Community Cup and the by Cooperative and now the Hackney Youth the 1990s. Salaam Peace has benefitted hugely Hit Knife Crime 4 Six initiatives have seen over Opportunity Fund. The group gym session brings Of the core group of ten that have been from use of the fantastic facilities across 500 people from 4 London Boroughs enjoy the together up to fifteen young people, male and attending for the last six months, all ten Hackney and Waltham Forest. great environment. On the 24th July 10 Young female, ages fourteen to twenty-one, to a local are now either volunteers or paid staff for People from Hackney and Waltham Forest were leisure centre to work in small groups led by a the Salaam Peace community engagement These include: lucky attendees at the official media event at qualified team leader who every week puts them programme. They call themselves Team Adisab, • Walthamstow Leisure Centre for the Positive the Copper Box which is now managed by GLL. through a varied health and fitness programme. SP/StreetGames Volunteering programme, after Routes and SPORTED projects. We have already discussed hosting possible Sab Bham, Director of Community Engagement. • Peter May for the Group Gym Session. activities, including a Hit 4 Six World Cup. The last ten minutes of the session sees the • Kings Hall for the Hackney YOF Get Into group come together as one to finish off with The group gym session is an example of how Fitness Together (GIFT) programme. We thank the team and look forward to core exercises and a cool down. The fitness people engaging in an activity with a positive • Mabley Green for the award winning Hackney building on relationships we have at all GLL sessions are supplemented every six weeks by role model inspires individuals and groups to Homes/Salaam Peace Friday League. facilities to ensure a BETTER community Offer. workshops on areas that include Sexual Health, contribute and be the change in the community • Hackney Marshes for the multi-award winning Substance Misuse, Nutrition, Training and they want to see. Eid Cup. Volunteering Opportunities, Citizenship & Injury Management At the heart of the successful relationship has been the added value for both Salaam Peace and GLL. Cllr Ahsan Khan was instrumental in ensuring Salaam Peace being recognised as a Community partner in Waltham Forest. In Hackney Claire Ruocco and Sam Wright were central to our development. This included community rates, in-kind contribution, support on funding bids and realising the impact we could have together.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 49 BRIDGE LADIES

“60 Girls and Women from Waltham Forest and Hackney took part”

ammas School in Leyton was the venue Event Organiser, Shehnaz, Youth Engagement for the YOUR MOVE sponsored BRIDGE Officer for Salaam Peace and a Young Advisor for (Building Respect in Diverse Communities Waltham Forest said, “The day was fantastic. Everywhere) project launch. BRIDGE The Girls took part in 4 stations, basketball, Lis funded by the WF Enough is Enough small cricket, fitness and football. We were very grants programme. The community initiative was fortunate to have fantastic coaches including delivered by the multi-award winning Salaam Michelle for basketball and Kate for fitness. LOW RES IMAGES Peace. 60 Girls and Women from Waltham Forest They provide positive female role-models to and Hackney took part in a 4 activity programme. all the girls. Salaam Peace engages with all the The event was sponsored by YOUR MOVE. A local community from children through to adults, Estate and Letting agents have become a partner men, women, girls and boys. Salaam Peace of Salaam Peace. has once again shown that diverse groups from different areas can come together in one YOUR MOVE enabled all participants to receive arena. We thank YOUR MOVE and LAMMAS for a uniquely designed T-shirt and covered the cost their support and hope these girls are inspired of staff/volunteers, refreshments and equipment not only to participate but access pathways for the day. Lammas School kindly provided a into training and volunteering.” fantastic venue. Robert Dowe, a member of the team at YOUR MOVE and a product of the Salaam Peace Legacy Programme came to speak to the participants about his journey and how despite not progressing to his dream of playing in goal “Salaam Peace professionally, he has made a success in his career in sales and letting. Robert is from Leyton engages with all and despite social challenges has made a huge the community success of his life and has aspirations to continue this way. from children through to adults, men, women, girls and boys”

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 51 “attendingNUMERACY the club COUNTS THE HOMEWORK CLUB has allowed me to gain extra help.” “Events are being organised to take numeracy “I do not have a computer at home so it is good outside of the maths classroom” that I get to use the internet for my work”

umeracy definitely counts at Our NU volunteers helped out at the Hit 4 Six he scheme is part of the SP Positive Tutor Shehnaz Amina said, “I began volunteering Lammas School. A NU initiative to tournament by scoring all the matches. They Routes project in Waltham Forest at the Homework Club and took over the promote numeracy across the school were given custom made T-shirts with the funded by the Youth Offer. Young running of it since April. I am a local resident has been launched. Lots of NU and Numeracy Counts logo as a thank you for being People are given use of a room at The and a former pupil of Kelmscott School. I am Nexciting events are being organised to take the first Lammas students to volunteer and won TMill in Coppermill Lane, have access to lap-tops fully aware of the needs of Young People in our numeracy outside of the maths classroom. medals because of how well they performed in and are supported by a tutor. area. The homework club has engaged with their NU roles. all our target groups and it is very pleasing to It is being developed by the NUmeracy Attendee Yas Bouchetta said, “I had several see Muslim girls attending an extra-curriculum co-ordinator Mrs Bham with the support of Well done and thank you to Geri, Charlize and problems with Maths and attending the club has project outside of school hours.” NUmeracy volunteers, Lammas students who Silan from Year 8, Kristen, Princess and Wonwoo allowed me to gain extra help. I do not have a have offered their own time to help with from Year 10! computer at home so it is good that I get to use numeracy related activities. the internet for my work.”

HIT FOR SIX

The Hit 4 Six cricket tournament has taken We had 6 teams altogether, the team of the place at Lammas School. This was the first tournament were YOLO, an all girls’ team: NUmeracy Counts event organised jointly by Jade, Kareen, Leisha, Khadija, Sude and Salaam Peace and Lammas School. Salaam Schuta who showed great teamwork and Peace and both the PE and Maths departments enthusiasm. There was even a staff team worked together to show how important made up of Maths teachers and Mr Uylett. numeracy skills are in sport. Mr Badar was the top batsman with 34 runs.

A big thank you to all the students and staff However, they didn’t make it to the final, who came along to take part and support the which was contested by Rocky v Skippers. event. Our head teacher Ms Ramsay came Congratulations to Year 7 team Skippers: to show her support and the highlight of the Abdulhaseeb, Adnan, Muner, Abubakar, Tayab tournament was when she was given the bat and Ibrahim. They won with an impressive and had a go at Hit 4 Six herself. “Well done score of 111 runs and were awarded gold to all involved” Ms Ramsay. Hit 4 Six medals. Player of the tournament was Dimitar in year 8, who won a fabulous gold cricket trophy.

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 52 53 Finally, the many case studies in this research 3) What’s does the future hold for LOOKING FORWARD document give thanks to me. However I would Salaam Peace? have to say these individuals and groups have The central framework of the role model concept equally had a positive impact on my life and is the priority: developing future leaders for my growth as a human being. We never set out the programme ‘for the community in the “For the community in the community” with a fixed agenda. The journeys that each of community.’ The likes of Ahmet, Shehnaz, them and us have taken have been developed Hatice and Azi will take Salaam Peace forward. t is somewhat understating that Sab has a 2) Who were your role models and naturally. The fact these individuals have It is adapting the role models framework to a vision for the programme which builds on how did this influence you? accepted our support means the philosophy local level. This has been achieved with Salaam his work to date, illustrated through this John Barnes, who played for Liverpool FC, and ethos of Salaam Peace developed. In other Peace to date and all the case studies illustrate document. It is important to look at the way was one of my main role models not only as a words they have created the blueprint. We will this point. I want it truly well established ISab feels how the real focus of Salaam Peace continue to develop and change with the needs player but the gracefulness he showed in coping through Salaam Peace. This will then work as a should develop and where the programme should with racism. He always said that if someone society has. self-sustaining business model which will help be taken next. This is now explained with a discriminated against him it was their problem Salaam Peace’s longevity. summary of an interview taken this year. not his. This is very true and it helped me in I try and teach this to all the participants of the days I was playing football and suffering Salaam Peace but also that tolerance of all 1) What makes Salaam Peace unique? from racial abuse from fans, the other players, cultures is a truly valued concept. The inspiration One of the central tenants of all our work is to parents and coaches. I used to use John Barnes from this was my teachers at University notably find local people from the community who can words to give me a perspective on this ugly social Ralph Bates. This concept resonated with me and participate in Salaam Peace’s work and show the phenomenon (Racism). It really helped. I was is a way of thinking I have transferred to Salaam potential to develop into leaders and coaches even nick named Sab Barnes (Bham) as I was Peace’s work. for Salaam Peace in the future. I have developed often played on the left side of the attack. this ‘peer led role model framework’ to bring in local sports leaders from the community and this Outside of sport I have been blessed with some has worked well. I transferred this model and great people supporting my life as positive fine-tuned it to Salaam Peace’s initiatives which examples; none more so than my Dad, who are social as well as sports driven. epitomises everything good about humanity. Dad has always given to the less fortunate Through this, local participants from sessions and has shown us that community and family I have developed have become positive role- is beyond blood and colour. Ralph Bates, my models. These include Keon, Zak, Abdi and Religious Studies teacher from Middlesex Erkan. They are leaders of the programme and University and close friend showed me have developed to run some of the main events compassion and passion. Compassion through the of Salaam Peace. This illustrates that Salaam Buddhas teachings and passion for supporting Peace has a legacy aim similar to the Olympics, his students beyond what was expected. Ralph but is different, with an emphasis through the would always stay behind for hours to ensure adoption of role models ‘for the community any students who needed his time received it. in the community.’ This is why this work Through his example and that of my dad’s we presented here is so important. It shows that this have based the whole philosophy of Salaam framework is central to Salaam Peace’s aims and Peace on what we do. We do what we do out of development in local communities. love and wanting to have an impact, the money and finances will take care of itself.

Gabby Logan & Sab Bham at Hackney Marshes

SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY SALAAM PEACE - A REAL EAST END LEGACY 54 55 CLOSING THOUGHTS

“Role models such as Sab can influence these young adults positively”

he narratives show that Sab has Alongside the engagement in activity, both successfully engaged young people into brothers have begun their volunteering sports and has been able to move this journey through our SP Team Adisab volunteers vehicle beyond sport, illustrated by programme and recently both passed their Tthe peers comments and Erkan’s narrative, Sab Level 1. This Level 1 place was funded through has used the sports sessions to integrate some a kind contribution by Andrew Bignold/Access to sectors of society who would have otherwise Sports, who is a great friend and partner of ours. not have met, such as the young volunteers and police cadets. It describes the session as Our first aim is to engage all our children, young cohesive and creating a very good community people, young adults and adults through our spirit. This does matter to young people and role variety of programmes. Once engaged it is up to models such as Sab can influence these young the individual to take advantage of the pathways adults positively. This can be further illustrated on offer. by the direct impact Salaam Peace has had on model can promote through their work. He also and Karina. They are all from East European some individuals shown next: Conclusion develops potential local talents as being the backgrounds and further cements the Salaam “The sporting hero has traditionally been future of Salaam Peace through a role model Peace ideal of engaging the local community as After 6 months of accessing several Salaam perceived as epitomizing social ideals and framework. This provides valuable opportunities a whole. Peace schemes Hasan and Husain Asania, aged masculine virtues and embodying values which for young people in London. 16 from Clapton have shown tremendous skills learnt on the playing fields will readily transfer The work Sab does through Salaam Peace and development. Through Paul “One” Piper, the into everyday life.” (Lines, 2001) One example is Erkan, who has been able to enables the concept of positive role models to brothers first came into contact with us through apply the ideals and experience he has learnt be promoted to many young people in North a series of community football events and As Lines (2001) has described in the above from playing with Sab and also helping him coach and East London. Therefore as the research attending the Pro-Active SPORTMAKERS Course. quote: Sab has shown this through his work to transfer these skills to his advantage and find illustrates, this can have very positive outcomes Through their friendship with Zakariya Ahmed and his development with Salaam Peace. It has work in a school. He credits Sab with helping for young people who participate in Salaam and Abdi Rashid, they began coming to our wider created good social environments for people to him achieve this. Thus as Lines states embodying Peace initiatives. This is valuable work and projects. participate in sport and also think beyond this. values learnt on the playing fields and to transfer is now a central and established part of the It enables some individuals to come into contact this into everyday life. He has also been trained programme’s work. It adopts the role model These include: with communities they would have struggled to through leadership course to become one of the concept to promote potential leaders of the • Group Gym at Kings Hall come into contact with before. main role-models and benchmark for Salaam programme from the community. It is captured (Youth Opportunity fund) Peace and now delivers main parts of the by the sound bite ‘Leaders for the community in • Friday Floodlight League Sab, the local hero has also been able to programme. Erkan has and continues to inspire the community’ and it does need to be supported (LB of Hackney/Hackney Homes) epitomise the ideals of promoting social inclusion a new generation of Salaam Peace participants to thrive and help all our communities in London. • Salaam Peace FC 16+ team and tolerance through his work and these are through the work with Lammas including the girls It needs to be supported and championed by (Football foundation) arguably the most important concepts a role and young women such as Ausrine, Agne, Linda our communities.

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