A Muslim association in west London say David Cameron's plans to boost English skills among Muslim woman is welcome encouragement. The west London branch is one of many across the country which already help Muslim women find English courses.
Source/Credit: Get West London
By Get West London | January 21, 2016
A Muslim women's association in west London have welcomed the call made by Prime Minister David Cameron for Muslim women to be given help to learn English.
Mr Cameron announced a £20 million fund on Monday (January 18) to provide English lessons for women to improve integration from October.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Association told getwestlondon that any initiative which helps non-English speakers learn the language is encouraged by the the group.
"All immigrants coming to the UK should seek to learn the English language as it is essential for tolerance and understanding and for their integration into society" the association said.
"Loyalty to country is something actively promoted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association and it includes understanding the language because without this people can’t involve themselves in their local communities and make a positive contribution to schools and charities - which is integral to the Islamic faith."
The west London branch is one of many across the country which already help Muslim women find English courses, with meetings conducted in English to help them improve.
Laiqa Ahmad, from the association, added: "Women who stay home and look after the children, more likely for those who arrive here from abroad, have less exposure to the language which leaves them at a disadvantage from the start.
"The Prime Minister focused on women and there is a need among some women for help and encouragement.
"Mothers are usually the parent with links to school; without an understanding of English they’re unable to communicate with schools and even with their own children in some cases."
Muslim women named specifically 'concerning'
The Prime Minister's plans have been met with criticism from MP's and other Islamic groups after a suggestion was made that failing to learn could affect whether spouses could retain a visa to settle in the UK.
Former Conservative chair Baroness Sayeeda Warsi said he was guilty of "stereotyping communities", a view shared by Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham who stated it was "doing more harm than good".
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association said the idea of potentially separating a child from their parent through the non-extension of a spouse visa is "completely wrong".
They said: "It violates the human rights of that child whose protection of his welfare is the primary purpose of these new legislations.
"A point of concern is that the Prime Minister referred specifically to Muslim women but it is not only Muslim women who may have the need to be taught English.
"There are individuals of all races, religion and cultures that could benefit from such lessons. Maybe the offer of English lessons should be for all those who need them – men as well as women."
The government have said 22% of Muslim women living in the country speak little or no English, which could contribute to a division in societies.
Read original post here: UK: English language essential for tolerance and understanding,' say Ahmadiyya Muslim women's association
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