We’re on a mission to unite our area

The Dewsbury Cohesion Ambassadors, who go to schools across North Kirklees, gave a presentation at the Dewsbury Reporter office on Monday.

The group, which is based in Savile Town, Dewsbury, is made up of 10 members of the Kumon Y’all community youth group.

During their presentation, they told staff from the Dewsbury Reporter, Mirfield Reporter, Batley and Birstall News and Spenborough Guardian about the things that make them different and the issues they all share.

They told staff how they are from different ethnic backgrounds, are different ages and go to different schools, but are all affected by problems such as crime in their communities and bullying at school.

The talk also aimed to dispel myths around the Muslim faith and its values.

The Ambassadors have been giving the talk to groups on tours of the Zakaria Mosque in Savile Town and last month delivered it to around 1,000 people at a Duke of Edinburgh Award ceremony in Huddersfield.

Farook Yunus, who founded the group, said: “They really, really enjoy the fact that we are trying to make a difference in people’s lives and they are looking forward to getting rid of the misunderstandings that are there.

“Because communities are so far apart and the misunderstandings are there, the main aim is to engage with people and get rid of those misunderstandings.”

Reporter Series editor Hannah Ridgeway said: “It was a really excellent presentation and we really appreciated the group’s time and effort. It was very thought-provoking and I would urge any organisation to make contact with the group.”

Any group or organisation that would like to have a visit from the Dewsbury Cohesion Ambassadors should email [email protected].