Muslim Student Association (MSA) was founded by Muslim Students at the University of Manitoba. It is made up of a wide diverse of people including undergrads, graduate students, faculty and their home countries are global from Indonesia, the Middle East and beyond. 

Journalist Zuher Almusre from U Multiculture channel hosted Abdul Ahad, President of the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and asked him about the importance of MSA for Muslim students, and the challenges facing Muslim students..

Abdul said that the Muslim Student Association at the University of Manitoba is the voice of the Muslim student and his guide to integrate and settle on campus, whether their challenges are academic, religious, or social.

When a Muslim student arrives on campus in Winnipeg, it can be a culture shock. What they know in their own country is completely different then in Canadian society, which is characterized by diversity and mixing between male and female students, and this is something that the Muslim student must adapt to. 

In addition to that, the Muslim student must explain their clothes and traditions to other students who are from different cultures. They need to learn not be embarrassed because of their clothes or  because they don't shake hands with members of the opposite sex. The association explains all these details to students to make their stay on campus easy and smooth.

In addition, Abdel-Ahad talked about many real stories, and how the association gives them important tips to overcome any psychological challenges due to their distance from their families.

He also thanked all the professors and administrators of the university, whom he described as understanding and accepting of all cultures and races. 

 
Stay tuned for more Civic discussions on Civic Platform: https://u-channel.ca/civic-journalism/  

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

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