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Coming of Age Workshop

Description

Have you struggled with the thought of how to talk to your child about the changes they will experience as they go through puberty? Don’t know where to start when it comes to explaining sexual drive and sexuality? Are you looking for tips and talking points that come from an Islamic perspective and are also relevant and applicable? Is your child older or entering high school? What will your child experience and be exposed to now that they are in high school? Are you prepared to address issues that they run into or answer questions that they may have?

This is not your average power-point presentation! This interactive workshop is jam-packed with exciting ways to interact with the information – such as live polling, infographics, videos, and most importantly, time with an expert in the field of youth development.

Coming of Age Workshop

Why The FYI

The FYI is a national research and education institute focusing on Muslim mental health and family wellness. Our mission is to strengthen and empower individuals, families, and communities through mental health research and education. The Family and Youth Institute has also designed a vibrant and meaningful range of workshops, lectures, and presentations on topics within our four focus areas related to youth, marriage, parenting, and mental health!

Coming of Age Workshop

Overview/ Outline

Coming of Age Workshop

Day 1 – Parent Session
(3 hr)

We will work with participants in a “Parents Only” class. Here we will go through the youth curriculum which includes:

  • Physical Changes
  • Personal Hygiene (Tahara included)
  • Building Positive Body Image
  • Dress Codes
  • Healthy Relationships and Spirituality
  • Sexuality
  • Gender Relations
  • Harassment

Parents will role-play anticipated questions/conversations with their children and have time to ask questions of the instructors. They will leave empowered with rite-of-passage activities and ready to continue the conversations with their children.  Parents will go home with ideas on how to expand the conversation at home with their children and will be given valuable resources for further understanding.

Coming of Age Workshop

Day 2 – Youth Breakout Sessions (4 hr)
Middle School Breakout Session (2 hr)

The sessions are split by gender and held at the same time, led by the same-gendered facilitator. Students will participate in an open and interactive discussion that will include:

  • Understanding and recognizing the physical and emotional changes that come with puberty
  • Anatomy and function of the reproductive system
  • Personal Hygiene (Tahara included)
  • Positive Body Image
  • Dress Code
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Spirituality

References to the Seerah and Islamic fiqh/understanding are intertwined in each category. During the workshop, participants will engage in hands-on activities to help them more effectively communicate their developmental changes with their parents.

Coming of Age Workshop

High School Breakout Session
(2 hr)

These sessions will be held separately at the same time, split by gender, and led by the same-gendered facilitator. Students will participate in an interactive discussion that will include:

  • Gender Identity and Expression
  • Sexual and relational attraction
  • Healthy body image and self-esteem
  • Healthy relationships and relational fulfillment
  • Sexuality from a spiritual lens
  • Sexual assault
  • Red-flag issues
  • Harassment, among other topics as well.

The participants will be able to engage in open discussion and a judgment-free environment to address concerns and alleviate worries.

Coming of Age Workshop

Target Audience

This workshop is curated for parents of middle school aged and high school aged children. It is also made for the children themselves.

Coming of Age Workshop

Cost

(plus) Travel and accommodations

Testimonials

Zakat eligibility of The FYI

The Family & Youth Institute, or The FYI, is a well-known Muslim organization in the United States. It works to promote mental health and wellness by strengthening and empowering individuals, families, and communities through research and education. It has been working for many years to bring Islamic perspectives to understanding and promoting mental health in our communities.

It is dedicated to serving and supporting Muslims – safeguarding our deen, our families, and our future generations. Therefore, the work of The FYI comes in the category of ‘fi sabeelillah’ or the Path of Allah, within the eight categories where Zakat money can be used.

Zakah expenditures are only for the poor and for the needy and for those employed for it and for bringing hearts together [for Islam] and for freeing captives [or slaves] and for those in debt and for the cause of Allah, and for the [stranded] traveler – an obligation [imposed] by Allah, And Allah, is Knowing and Wise.”
(Al-Tawbah 9:60)

According to scholars who widen the meaning of fee sabeelillah to include any activities that promote Islamic growth, The FYI is indeed eligible to receive part of the Zakat funds for its programs and services. I urge Muslims in America to support this organization through their donations, general charity, and through their Zakat. I ask Allah swt to strengthen and guide The FYI to continue its good work in supporting Muslims.

Shaikh Ali Suleiman Ali, PhD

About Shaikh Ali

Sh. Ali Suleiman Ali was born in Ghana where he spent his childhood studying with various Muslim scholars. He then moved to Saudi Arabia and enrolled in the Islamic University of Madina.  He graduated with a degree in both Arabic and Islamic Studies. Dr. Ali went on to complete his Ph.D. in Islamic Studies at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Sh. Ali serves on the Advisory Council of The Family & Youth Institute. He is the Senior Imam and Director of the Muslim Community of Western Suburbs in Canton, Michigan. Additionally, he serves as the Director of Muslim Family Services in Detroit and is a council member of the Fiqh Council of North America (FCNA). He is also a member of the North American Imams Federation (NAIF) and the Association of Muslim Jurists of America (AMJA).