The significance of the conference stemmed from the fact that it dealt
with major socio-economical and cultural issues faced by many African
Muslim children who live in the poorest countries in the world. The
conference convener, Dr. Stephen Howard, Director of the Institute for
the African Child, in his opening declaration observed that predominantly
Muslim African countries are among the world's 25 poorest countries.
Therefore understanding -from the perspective of the Child- and
advocating for the alleviation of the issues faced by children in such
countries is one of the main priorities of the Institute for the African Child.
Presenters from Southeast Asia, South Asia, Africa and around the US
engaged in dialogue on many issues of importance to children.

Themes discussed during the conference included Islamic youth
movements, Islam and education, Muslim girls and contemporary social
change, the religious life of children, Islamic NGOs and their impact on
Muslim children, children's health in Muslim societies, Human Rights and the
children of Islam, to the K-12 students and teachers' workshops and
theater productions on debunking Islam.

Another interesting aspect of the conference is the use of theater in
deconstruction Islamic assumptions. Theater was found to offer an
engaging form of education that impacts not only the cognitive aspects of
learning but also the effectual aspects. Hence, theater is an avenue
through which presentation of a problem can be addressed through
reenactments of real life situations. This is a very important vehicle for
education especially considering the oral character of African societies and
an aim of the conference to integrate children's voices. Role play made it
possible for children to talk about important issues while enjoying the
activities.

The originality of this conference was based on the space it provided for
children's voices to be heard. Fourth graders from Amesville Elementary
school in Athens, Ohio and those of the International Academy in Columbus
engaged in dialogue evolving around the deconstruction of Islamic myths
generated -mostly through the media- after the September 11th attack.
In their own ways, children discussed cultural aspects related to the Islamic
world through presentations.

In addition, a concurrent children's workshop took place on Friday. The
workshop consisted of three main components: BMW-African Pen Pal Series,
Overview of Islam, and Teaching Tolerance. In an opening video, children
were introduced to two children from Egypt - a Muslim and a Christian - and
were able to discuss how they fit or did not fit into their understanding of
Islam or Africa. The Athens area students were able to identify how Africa
and Islam may be misrepresented in the media by making a parallel with how
American media often portrays Appalachia. Following the Video presentation,
students participated in a guided discussion about the many images they see
in the media, including the war in Iraq and suicide bombings. The third section
of the workshop engaged children in two traditional games from India and
discussed the importance of positive attitudes towards self and others.
Yogic postures and 'Pranayaam' or the art of proper breathing for complete
relaxation of mind and body were used to work with the group on issues of
peace and tolerance.

Sponsored by:
The Institute for the African Child &
The Center for Southeast Asian Studies

With Support from: Community and Professional Programs, Lifelong Learning