Aziz Foundation hosts Induction Day for new scholars at the University of Westminster

The Aziz Foundation hosted an Induction Day for its new scholars at the University of Westminster on 14th September. The event gave an opportunity for incoming scholars to meet each other and network with Alumni, hear from the Foundation's trustees, and listen to a diverse range of perspectives on how to overcome challenges on campus.

Sobia Razzaq, Senior Lecturer in Law and EDI Committee Member, gave a warm welcome to attendees on behalf of the University of Westminster.  The morning session also saw Rahima Aziz BEM, trustee of the Foundation, deliver a speech with a key message to scholars:

None of you are here by chance. Each one of you has been handpicked to receive an Aziz scholarship. I am confident that you are all exactly the right people to break barriers and enact the real and lasting change we must see in fields where British Muslims are underrepresented. 

The afternoon session saw two engaging panel discussions. The first explored the University Experience with Zarah Suroopajally, EDI events and Programme Coordinator at the University of Westminster; Holly Rayfield, Campaign Support Officer at IAM (Islamophobia Awareness Month); and Yasir Yeahia, Aziz Alumnus and Student Voice Manager at Warwick Student's Union. The discussion centred on university provision and support available for Muslim students, how scholars can hold their universities to account in relation to EDI, and the importance of tackling Islamophobia on campus.

A second panel discussion, chaired by alumnus Hammad Haidar (MArch, University of Sheffield), gave a platform to Aziz alumni working across various industries to share their career insights. Panellists included: Arya Fatih (MA Broadcast Journalism, City University), Maha Elahi (MPhil Criminology, University of Cambridge) , and Faiza Amin (MSc Social Development Practice, UCL).

The final session consisted of two inspiring keynote speeches. Iqbal Nasim - educator, motivational speaker and former CEO of NZF - centred his talk on how British Muslim communities can impact wider society and the importance of maintaining an outward focus.

The day ended with an energising speech from the Founder of the Aziz Foundation, Asif Aziz. He told scholars and alumni:

You are the future. I am proud of all of you for your achievements and getting into some amazing universities. But remember you have an obligation to help each other and society. So please give back to your community.