Adolesence is characterized typically as a period of great emotional, social, cognitive, development and physiological changes. Muslim American youth specifically face a myriad of challenges. Besides the normal changes and challenges of adolescence, Muslim American youth have to face challenges specific to their religious identity. These include developmental, social, cultural and religious provocations that may drive them towards negative attitudes and behavior. When failing to face such challenges, their effects may hinder their development. When lacking support, a Muslim American youth may find him/herself with confusing identities in a western world, may have difficulty maintaining religious beliefs and morals, and problems with gender relations may rise.

 

An estimated 67% of the Muslim population in the United States is under the age of 40. About 70% of the Muslim American youth have reported to have experienced negative incidents due to their religious beliefs. How Muslim American youth decide to interact with the society is influenced by how they perceive the society and the external resistance against this minority group.

 

The goal of the iBelong after school program is to facilitate positive development in youth by assisting them in developing trusting relationships, challenging them to develop skills and discover talents through offering them developmentally appropriate, yet culturally sensitive programs.

 

Our objectives:

• assist Muslim youth in their bicultural competence, i.e. effective communication between several cultural identities
• assist in the full integration in society while maintaining their Muslim identity
• contribution of youth to education of the general public regarding Islam
• to provide parent and child classes that help strengthen family relationships
• positive peer relationships and peer-pressure resistance
• increase self-concept and self-esteem
• increase leadership, teamwork, management and cognitive development
• to build reading, writing, mathematics, speaking and thinking skills through academic programs
• to increase a sense of belonging, connected engagement in the Muslim community and the society at large
• to increase the perceived influence of Muslim youth on issues in the community that affect their lives