Day 9 - Mentors Diary - Shabbir Merali

, first thing’s first – classes commenced as usual in the morning, except today I taught my one and only lesson on meditation. For the first time, I managed for the first time to keep the campers quiet for over 5 minutes! Therefore I felt it was a success. It was very rewarding to hear the positive feedback of my lesson from the campers and to see how these unique children appreciate the time and effort put into preparing one lesson.

Now it is time for the theme park! A stampede of excited campers ran onto the coach. It makes me wonder… where is this excitement at the time of namaz? They were instructed to form groups of 5 and judging by their efficiency, it appears as though they have made close friends. For me, making friends is one of the most important aspects of this camp for the campers. It makes me happy to see these children enjoy each other’s company, running around the theme park from ride to ride.

The camp is nearly over and alhamdulillah, the atmosphere has grown day by day. I have seen great developments in the children and I pray that these enhanced characteristics can be maintained after the camp. I was told by past mentors and campers that Sweden is like a ‘mini Hajj’ and now I see why that is.

Sweden 2008 - Boys - Mentor Diaries