Soul2Soul 1.0 comprises 2 segments – an interactive session in the afternoon and a bukapuasa (breaking of fast) in the evening. The interactive session is a forum-based gathering which pivots on the importance of fasting among the various religious perspectives – Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikh - with young people as the speakers. The purpose is mainly to gather the youth perception and basic understanding of each other’s pillars of faith. The organisers expect about 150 - 200 youth of various religions to participate in this event. They are from the AZAM “Young Souls”, students from institutions of higher learning, teacher trainees and youth from the various faith-based organisations (FBOs).
The buka puasa session would be a practical experience for the youth on what constitutes breaking of fast among the Muslims. In addition, Chill Out Stations would also be set up for participants of this event. These stations include Invent your own Hari Raya cards, music performances (like gamelan), short films on noble values, reading corners and other activities.
The Islamic Information Centre since it started in 2008 has been promoting the importance of understanding and an enhanced appreciation of peoples of various faiths through its programmes and activities. The Centre believes that through information and knowledge could only a better understanding and a deeper appreciation of each other be achieved.
AZAM Sarawak is an NGO that promotes development communication to facilitate the development process in the State, targeting mainly grassroots communities.
This Soul2Soul 1.0 event is one of its collaborative events under AZAM’s youth development and engagement programme, under the flagship of “Young Souls & the City”. This inaugural collaboration with IIC is to help promote inter-faith and social harmony among the young people of Sarawak, which is one of the main objectives of the youth programme.
It is the organisers’ hope that religious organisations of other faiths will host similar activities in the future.