‘We must create safe spaces for young people’

by Ramazani Mwamba

THE Salam Project in Moss Side is an initiative which focuses on challenging gang crime, youth unemployment, extremism and radicalisation.

Founder Ismael Lea South has more than 12 years experience in counter-extremism and de-radicalisation work around the UK.

The group’s latest project is based in Moss Side, with their Truth vs Terrorism campaign, which aims to deliver workshops on jihadist and awareness of extremism and radicalisation, particularly among young people.

Project director Ismael, who worked with the Salam Project in London for 10 years before moving to Manchester, said:

“Most mosques in the UK have a spare room they don’t use for maybe two days-a-week. Now instead of wasting £10,000 on a chandelier that looks pretty they should use that money to buy a pool table, PS3, table tennis, and can be used to pay volunteer expenses to have a youth club.

“There needs to be a safe space for young people. Many young people, young Muslims included, are getting involved in gang and knife crime, extremism, radicalisation, and we need to make the mosque a safe space and a non-judgmental space to come in, relax and express themselves.

“And good role models from the community to come and give motivational talks.”