A communication network is necessary for every human to belong to any society. We cannot live without others who dynamically interact with us and help each other.

This episode will present how Muslim residents and newcomers to Canada apply this fact literally by coming to the Manitoba Islamic Association in Winnipeg (MIA) to learn about services and programs. The sixth episode of "Civic Platform" features Idris Elbakri, Board member and past chair of Manitoba Islamic Association - Winnipeg. Elbakri tells us about MIA's history, programs, services, plans for the future, and the association's importance to the Islamic community.

Elbakri, for many years, has helped the Winnipeg Islamic community and provided support through his long experience. He focused on youth and children and made the centre attractive to them to learn the Arabic language and the Islamic religion. Developing many programs that help parents raise their children as a Muslim should be.

Elbakri also talked about MIA psychological support, gym, various activities in the month of Ramadan and a food bank and meal delivery for the seniors in the city.

In this episode, too, "Civic Platform" interviewed some board members of the MIA and volunteers. They explained their roles in helping the community and the importance of volunteering to begin the qualification for the Canadian labour market.

Contact Zuher Almusre, our civic journalist, to share your story and explore civic issues at zuheralmusre@u-channel.ca.

Stay tuned for more Civic discussions on Civic Platform.

The project is funded by the Department of Canadian Heritage and administered by the Canadian Association of Community Television Users and Stations (CACTUS).