A few words about
What We Do
Our projects
The activities of the institute are split into 3 key areas: Education and Workshops, Health and Well-being, and Community.
Education
Education and Workshops
We provide morning and evening courses run in interactive classroom settings. In a classroom course, students can ask questions, participate in discussions, and receive immediate feedback. This level of interaction can enhance the learning experience for students. This study method also can allow students to engage with the material in a more meaningful way and get personalised support.
Women’s morning discourses
Women’s morning discourses provide an opportunity for women to engage in various educational and spiritual activities. One of the key focuses is on learning the Science of Tajwid (which involves studying the rules and techniques of proper recitation of the Quran), Classical Arabic Language classes are also offered, providing an avenue for women to enhance their linguistic skills.
These morning sessions also serve as a platform for discussions on contemporary issues, allowing women to express their thoughts and engage in meaningful conversations, creating a space for intellectual exploration and critical thinking.
Girl’s Enrichment Courses
We offer enrichment courses for young women during evenings and weekends to foster their academic and spiritual growth. The Prophetic Knowledge course we offer for girls age 14+ covers a range of subjects including Tajwid, Hadith (Prophetic sayings), Science of Tafsir (Exegesis of the Quran), Islamic Jurisprudence, Creed, and Theology. We also provide Youth Mentorship to help guide the girls on their journey to adulthood.
One of the many skills young girls acquire is writing and delivering speeches, which cultivates not only communication prowess but also critical thinking, empathy, and adaptability; skills that serve them well in various aspects of life.
Health care
Health and Well-being
Annual health events
Since 2022, we have been organising free community health events that bring together health services and organisations to educate women about the diverse range of available services and provide support in health-related matters. Each of our events has gotten the participation of over 150 public members.
In 2022, we hosted the health event at The Wesley Hall where 10 Services collaborated to offer information, interactive workshops, and health advice to the women of the community. Among the services were; personalised health checks, mental wellbeing, and fitness. The event was successful and well-received by the public, despite the limited capacity of the venue.
In 2023, the health event was held at Mayflower Methodist Church Hall, with a larger venue and a change in location. This allowed us to present the event in another part of the city, provide access to a wider audience, and host more services. A total of 17 services participated in the event. Notably, we offered menopause advice, GP advice, and engaging workshops for mother and baby. Based on the feedback received from the event, it was evident that women are interested in attending more such events and workshops that cater to their specific needs and interests.
We are currently in the process of organising our 3rd annual health event for 2024 with the goal of reaching a wider audience and having more interactive services.
Private counselling sessions
Our health and well-being service now includes private counselling sessions for the community. Our team consists of two qualified counsellors who are equipped to offer advice to individuals of all ages.
Community
Community
Youth events
We regularly organise educational programs tailored for the youth, with a particular emphasis on relevant topics that include active participation and interactive discussions. These programs are designed to be inclusive and are offered free of charge, specifically targeting teenage girls.
Topics covered have included Friendships, Time Management, Making the right choices, and Prophetic History.
Spiritual retreats
Since 2022, we have been consistently organising spiritual retreats for the youth, aiming to create a safe environment for our girls to partake in prayer and spiritual endeavours. Our goal is to provide a space where young people can connect with their faith and deepen their understanding of spirituality, build a sense of community and friendship with peers. These retreats have achieved significant success, with a substantial number of parents expressing interest and an average daily attendance of approximately 60 girls.
Annual Conferences
Our community has shown great interest in our annual conferences, which have become a highly anticipated event. We frequently host seminars and workshops that are open to the public and provide valuable learning.
Additionally, we host a specialized Hajj pilgrimage seminar annually, catering specifically to the needs of females embarking on the journey of a lifetime.
Future
Future of The Amina Institute
Mother and baby facilities
The Amina Institute will provide a safe place for new mothers and their babies to receive post-natal support and companionship. Motherhood can be a challenging and isolating experience, particularly for first-time mothers. The institute aims to make motherhood a more enjoyable and cherished experience for both mother and baby.
The institute plans to organise regular seminars and parenting workshops, aiming to empower parents with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for effective parenting and help them navigate through current challenges.
Workshops and Seminars
We would like to provide more workshops and a variety of seminars on specialist topics for the youth.
– Social justice ; racism and bullying
– Relationships and Friendships
– Faith and Creed
– Mental well-being; managing stress and anxiety
– Life Skills and Career Goals
– Community Awareness
– Environmental Education; climate change and green issues
– Body Awareness
Fitness and Nutrition
We aim to offer a range of sporting and fitness activities and programs specifically designed for women and girls, in a comfortable and confidence-inspiring environment.
We recognise that providing proper nutrition during this crucial stage of development is essential for the overall health and well-being of young teenagers, which is why we hope to have cooking sessions and food-related activities.
Weekend Youth Hub
The Youth hub would be a drop-in space providing a fun, safe, and engaging environment during weekends for young girls to socialise, do homework and seek guidance.