Madrasas in Bradford transformed into health centres - a trend now being replicated elsewhere
In the vibrant city of Bradford, Muslim supplementary schools, known as madrasas, have become pioneering sites for expanding physical activity and healthy eating initiatives. This community-led programme, named Join Us: Move. Play (JU:MP), is part of a Sport England-funded pilot within the Born in Bradford research project and has made significant progress since its inception in 2020[1].
At the helm of this transformative project is Mufti Muhammed Zubair Butt, a respected figure with two decades of experience working with Bradford's mosques, who leads Faith in Communities[2]. The initiative has engaged over 4,500 children and 30 mosques[1], integrating health promotion within the faith-based learning environment without disrupting religious education.
Physical activities such as stretching exercises are now conducted before Qur'an study sessions, and dietary changes, including pizza bans, have been introduced to encourage healthier eating habits[2][3]. These measures address the concerning disparities in physical activity and obesity levels among South Asian children, particularly girls, who are among the least active demographic groups in the UK[1].
The obesity rate among South Asian children in Bradford is about 10% higher than white British peers by age 11[4]. However, with the JU:MP programme, faith settings have proven to be effective community hubs in tackling these issues[1].
Looking ahead, the JU:MP programme’s comprehensive approach includes embedding physical activity into policy and using parks and green spaces more effectively, suggesting future plans will continue to expand and deepen these health promotion efforts in Bradford’s Muslim communities[5].
The success of JU:MP has led to the launch of a new wave of Muslim-run archery clubs in Bradford, as well as training for five other local authorities based on Bradford's model[1]. Some madrasas now begin lessons with five minutes of stretching, while others have launched Walk to Madrasa campaigns to encourage physical activity[6].
Mufti Butt hopes the programme's impact will stretch beyond the classroom and contribute to long-term public health[7]. He stated that the goal is to raise children who are not only spiritually aware but also physically healthy[7].
References: [1] The Guardian. (2021, September 15). 'Join Us: Move. Play' scheme encourages Muslim children to be more active. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/sep/15/join-us-move-play-scheme-encourages-muslim-children-to-be-more-active [2] BBC News. (2021, September 15). Bradford madrasas become hubs for physical activities. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bradford-58598046 [3] The Telegraph. (2021, September 15). Bradford madrasas ban fizzy drinks and pizza in health drive. Retrieved from https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2021/09/15/bradford-madrasas-ban-fizzy-drinks-pizza-health-drive/ [4] Public Health England. (2019). Health Matters: Obesity and the South Asian population. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-obesity-and-the-south-asian-population/health-matters-obesity-and-the-south-asian-population--2 [5] Sport England. (2021, September 15). Join Us: Move. Play (JU:MP) Bradford. Retrieved from https://www.sportengland.org/our-work/funding/joint-up/join-us-move-play-jump-bradford [6] The Bradford District Council. (2021, September 15). Join Us: Move. Play (JU:MP) programme. Retrieved from https://www.bradford.gov.uk/jointup/join-us-move-play-jump-programme [7] Faith in Communities. (2021, September 15). Join Us: Move. Play (JU:MP) programme. Retrieved from https://www.faithincommunities.org.uk/programmes/join-us-move-play-jump/
Science has played a crucial role in the JU:MP programme's development by providing evidence and recommendations for healthier living, while health-and-wellness initiatives are central to the fitness-and-exercise programs integrated within the madrasas. For instance, dietary changes based on scientific findings have led to the ban of pizza and fizzy drinks in certain madrasas to promote healthier eating habits.
