THE SEARCH FOR IDENTITY by Hajja Aisha Bewley

This is the transcript of a talk given in Leeds in 17th May 2016

Every day the topic of issues of identity are mentioned as being the root of many problems in society. And it is absolutely true and it is not a new problem. Every generation looks at changes in society and says the same thing. But in modern times, these problems are accelerated and intensified due to the pace of change and the constant feedback through media, and particularly social media. The focus is intensified. Political identity, cultural identity, and now even gender identity, which is most likely a symptom of the intensification of the general crisis in identity. 

THE REAL AIM OF RSE by Shaykh Abdalhaqq Bewley

Speaking on the Today programme about communities who were objecting to their primary-school aged children being taught the presently proposed form of relationship education, Sir Michael Wilshaw, the ex-Ofsted chief, made the following astonishing, and profoundly shocking, statement. He said, “These people, who have very conservative views, sincerely held, have also got to understand that they’re living in this country with the values that this country holds and they’ve got to balance these two issues.” This remark has the unavoidable corollary: “if they don’t do that they shouldn’t be living in this country.” Who on earth does this man think he is speaking about and speaking to? Who are “these people” he’s referring to? Well, Sir Michael, I am one of them. I wholeheartedly espouse the views they put forward and completely uphold the objections they are making. My family arrived in this country in the entourage of Eleanor of Aquitaine; are you suggesting I should go back there?

“Education between Politics and Knowledge” by Abu Bakr Rieger

Granada, 13th of August

I. Education and Ideology

II. Education and Psychology

III. Education and Community

IV. Education and Politics (Suggestions)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

When I was invited to give a talk, I was not sure if education is really my subject as such. In reality I am currently more interested in a new understanding of politics/ideology in relation to the phenomenon of psychology. But then I saw a connection between these subjects.

I want to talk about an education which is close to us, close to our situation, here and now. My intention is also to propose another understanding of today’s role of communities.

Let me begin with a dedication:

“Upbringing means acquainting young people with the conditions and

educating them about the conditions under which one can live in the world in

general, and then in particular strata of it.” (Goethe)