The Need
Muslim youth constitute over one third of the Muslim population in Canada, yet many do not have a place to turn to for spiritual care, questions, or positive mentorship. They need a safe space to discuss their concerns, a greater degree of personalized interaction, answers that make sense, and relationships that cultivate positive development. While there are excellent initiatives that e
xist within the wider Muslim community, very few are exclusively designed to address the needs and concerns of Muslim youth when it comes to their everyday lives and spiritual wellbeing. The Answer
To answer this gaping need, the Muslim Chaplaincy (MC) at the University of Toronto was created. It is the first of its kind, placed at the heart of Canada’s most diverse and multicultural city. It provides an integral space that complements other sacred, organizational, and social spaces, to serve and support Muslim youth. The Significance
A full-time Muslim chaplain is accessible to students on a daily basis. Acting as a facilitator for quality Islamic education and a provider of counselling and positive mentorship, a Muslim chaplain helps empower youth to foster healthy and meaningful Muslim identities. Additionally, a chaplain provides the personalized approach that each individual, seeking enrichment or assistance, needs. A chaplain, as a self-identified Muslim – committed, well educated, balanced, nurturing, and culturally relevant – is a positive role model. Help us sustain Canada’s first full-time Muslim chaplaincy.
