UK HONORS INSPIRING MUSLIM SCOUT LEADER

London, 6 Rajab 1435/5 May 2014 (MINA) – The British Prime Minister David Cameron has granted a Muslim scout leader a special award for his ‘so inspiring’ work to bring together hundreds of young Muslims from different faiths and backgrounds to join the Scout Association.

“I’m delighted to recognize Amir [Cheema] as a Point of Light,” PM Cameron was quoted by The Guardian.

“What he is doing is so inspiring. By pioneering the growth of Scouting in Muslim communities he is making this great tradition something that can be shared by everyone. Scouting has made an extraordinary contribution to our country for over a century.

“It’s fantastic that this movement is still growing and that Amir’s work is at the heart of a wider ambition to unite our communities in the service of others,” he added. On Islam quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

Dedicating his spare time over the past 11 years to scouts, Cheema, an engineer and father from Bristol, has managed to encourage Muslim boys and girls, as well as young people from different backgrounds, to join the Scout Association.

His special work resulted in a 13.5 percent increase in the number of the members of the Muslim Scout Fellowship.

The Muslim group, part of the larger Scout Association, has also reported a rise of 85 percent over the past five years.

Recognizing Cheema’s special efforts, PM Cameron has given him the Points of Light award for his outstanding commitment to volunteering and transforming people’s lives.

The award, Points of Light, is an idea borrowed from the United States.

It was set up by George Bush Snr and continued by his successors in the White House, to recognize people who make a difference to their community and inspire others.

For Cheema, his work has received praise for working to improve community cohesion by bringing young people from different backgrounds and faiths together as leader of a group in Brunel Scout District.

His travels across the UK to set up Scout groups, particularly among young, were also praised by Cameron.

Anyone can nominate a person for a Points of Light award by writing to the Prime Minister.

Productive Society

The award has delighted Cheema who vowed to continue his efforts to develop a peaceful and productive society.

“It’s a massive privilege to accept this award on behalf of the fantastic volunteers from the Muslim Scout Fellowship and my Brunel Scout District, who work tirelessly to help young people experience the adventure of a lifetime,” Cheema told The Guardian.

“I look forward to continued contributions and to hearing from all members of the community, including people who have not yet experienced Scouting – please do come forward and help transform lives.”

The Muslim Scout leader has also praised Allah for energizing him to make a change in the lives of young people.

“I am grateful to Allah for giving me the energy and opportunity to help young people,” Cheema said.

“Helping young people grow and develop through adventurous fun and purposeful activity is the best way to develop a peaceful and productive society.”

The Scouting movement has grown by 100,000 members in the past 10 years.

In Cheema’s own district, membership is up 3.5 per cent.

Britain is home to a Muslim minority of nearly 2.5 million.

There are estimated 2,000 Muslim scouts in Britain and there are about 40 active scout groups with a predominantly Muslim membership.

According to the Scout Association, Muslims make up more than a third of all scouts worldwide.(T/P08/P04)