Margot calls for funding for Lye Muslims

12:06pm Monday 6th August 2007

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STOURBRIDGE Conservative parliamentary candidate Margot James is campaigning for extra funding for English speaking classes for Lye Muslims.

She believes extra English lessons would help integrate Asian women and young people and boost the opportunities available for Muslims in Lye.

She also hopes such training would help mothers to participate in the education of their children, which in turn will help with their performance in schools.

Margot said: "These proposals will engage women and young people and equip them with communication skills to better engage in community activities, thereby ensuring greater diversity within the Muslim community.

"It will reduce the sense of alienation and rejection among Muslim youths by intervening earlier in their lives and equipping their mothers to guide them in the ways of British citizens."

English courses are currently being run by Dudley Council's Adult and Community Learning team at Lye's Crosswalks Centre.

But demand exceeds supply.

Margot also wants to see courses developed to cover topics such as Black Country history, British history, local and national institutions, sport, technology and popular culture and the arts - to help bring communities together and promote learning.

She hopes to receive a decision on funding in September.