Students from several high school Muslim Student Association (MSA) bodies have opted to unite under a solitary banner, with the goal of developing an active network through which to promote cultural and religious identity. The newly formed ‘MSA Schools of the Cape’, which is to launch with a conference this coming weekend, will look to provide a platform for Muslims students to engage amongst one another.

MSA School’s member Raygaanah Marlie, a student at Darun-Na’im High, said the organisation would serve as a means of allowing students not allowed to express their religion freely in school, the opportunity to feel comfortable about their Islamic identity.

“From the launch our aim is to give the learners da’wah so that they are informed about their religion, and so that they know what is and what is not expected of them, she explained.

At present the body compromises student from roughly 15 high schools across the city, including Rustenberg, Groote Schuur, San Souci, and Rondebosch Boys amongst others. They have collaborated with students from more religiously orientated institutions like Darun-Na’im and Islamic College.

The MSA’s opening conference is expected to attract learners from as far as Paarl and Stellenbosch, a positive response that has Marlie dreaming of much bigger goals for the body.

“After the launch we were thinking that we want to provide different things for the youth. We want to create this education space, then a political space where we can take a stand, and maybe even a creative and social space as well,” she said.

The conference, entitled “It’s Not Too Late” will tackle a range of issues currently affected Muslim youth in their respective schools. Speakers will include Laura Pistorious, Moulana Zakariyya Harnerkar, Sheikh Khalil Hendricks, as well as several student members of the MSA. Topics of note will address ‘finding a link between school life and Islam’, ‘dating and dean’, and ‘making an active difference’.

“For any questions they would like to ask regarding the topics we will be discussing, there will be a platform for questions and answers where they can address the speaker,” added Marlie.

The MSA Schools launch will take place on Saturday 16 August at the Islamia College Hall from 8:30am until 2pm. Entry is limited to school students.

To register SMS or Whatsapp 071 026 2349, stating you full name and school. The first 1000 entrants will gain access free of charge. VOC