MUSLIM MENTORING PROGRAMME LAUNCHED
(1 November 2007)

Supported by His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales,a new initiative designed to engage young British Muslims was launched on 1 November 2007. The scheme will harness the skills, expertise and knowledge of successful Muslim leaders from the public and private sectors to inspire youngsters, raise their aspirations, and by so doing maximise their chances in society. Over 50 mentors have already signed up to the scheme and have agreed to share their knowledge and experience.

Prince Charles said "I do believe that Mosaic has the potential to break down barriers of mistrust and suspicion and for promoting the enormously positive contribution that Muslims make to our society. I encourage you to participate within it, in the hope that it will inspire a movement that could make a profound difference to the aspirations and self-esteem of countless young Muslims in Britain."

There is a sustained record of under-achievement in the Muslim community, with just 42% of Pakistanis and 46% of Bangladeshis achieving five A* - C grades at GCSE, compared to the national average of 50%. The numbers of Muslims of working age with no qualifications is 30%, more than 10% ahead of the next faith group (Sikhs).

Among young Muslims aged 16 to 24, 28% were unemployed compared with only 11% of Christians of the same age. Furthermore, Muslims have the highest rate of economic inactivity of any religious group at 52%. 35% of Muslim households have no adults in employment, double the national average, providing young Muslims with no working role models.

The Mosaic initiative is being managed by Business in the Community through The Prince's 'Seeing is Believing' Programme which takes business leaders on visits to different parts of the UK where they can better appreciate some of the most pressing issues facing today's society. Over 50 mentors have signed up to the scheme and have agreed to share their knowledge and experience with Muslims to help raise aspirations and develop their talent.

The scheme will be rolled out nationally across the UK, with mentors representing a wide variety of sectors including law, investment banking, media, and the public sector. On a practical level, Mosaic requires more senior Muslims to share their wealth of knowledge and participate in the scheme to engage more effectively a new generation of British Muslims. Over 50% of the UK Muslim population is under the age of 25, Muslims have the youngest age profile of all the faith communities in the UK.

Ruby Sayed, Mosaic Mentor "I am delighted to be involved with Mosaic because I think that it is so important to raise the aspirations of our young people. Equally, this will be a learning process for me and would enhance my personal development and raise my awareness of current issues affecting young Muslim girls. As a barrister specialising in family law and as a member of the Asian Women's Resource Centre in Brent, I am well aware of challenges that young people can face and hope that I can make a real difference on the young people that I mentor".