A look back on 2020 with Omair Shah, Al Madina Mosque, a Barking & Dagenham Breaking Boundaries community partner

Breaking Boundaries is a three-year programme (2018 –2021) funded by Spirit of 2012, supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and The Institute of Community Cohesion (Icoco).

We hear from Omair Shah, on Breaking Boundaries delivery in 2020 at the Al Madina Mosque, Barking & Dagenham.

1. What services does your organisation provide to your key city? 

Religious Services, Sports Programmes & Talking Therapies and Educationals Services.

2. How did you and your organisation become involved with the Breaking Boundaries programme and why? 
   Through introduction of the programme and resonating with its views, aims and objectives. 
3. What has been your most memorable moment within the Breaking Boundaries project this year and why? 
   Taking part in the faith workshop at Future Youth Zone in March 2020 – it was very positive to talk in a positive environment and to learn about the various beliefs in our local community. 
4. What were your key successes as a Breaking Boundaries Community organisation this year? 

Keeping people connected at this very difficult time. We also are a part of BD Citizens Alliance, a locally run initiative to help those most in need this year with essential groceries, medicine or just to check on those isolated during this challenging time.  

5. How had your organisation stayed connected to your local community during this year? 

Through multiple video broadcasts on our YouTube Channel and the development of a brand-new App designed to be an informative communications tool for the Mosque and the Community of Barking & Dagenham 

6. If you could summarize your experience this year on the Breaking Boundaries project in three words, what would they be?
   Challenging, Different, Engaging