Youth and Education
Inclusive Learning, Culture and Community Engagement for Children and Young People
Youth work and education is a core part of Hindu Samaj Northstowe’s community activity. Our programmes are open to all children and young people, regardless of background, belief, or family faith.
We deliver a wide range of cultural, educational, creative, and civic activities that support children to:
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Feel confident in their identity
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Learn about different cultures and traditions
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Engage positively with their local community
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Develop social awareness, empathy, and life skills
Our work reflects the diversity of Northstowe and the needs of a growing new town.
Youth & Community Engagement
We actively involve children and young people in wider community and civic life, ensuring our work benefits the whole community.
Activities delivered include:
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Participation in UK Parliament Week, helping children understand democracy and civic responsibility
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Robotics and STEM workshops, supporting curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork
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Visits to local food banks, giving children insight into community support systems and social responsibility
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Jubilee celebrations, bringing families together to take part in shared national moments
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Children’s book swaps, promoting reading, sharing, and sustainability
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United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Workshops
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Easter and Christmas craft workshops, open to children from all backgrounds and faiths
These activities support children and young people to:
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Engage with their local community
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Develop empathy and social awareness
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Learn through participation, not just instruction
Cultural Learning Open to All
We run cultural and heritage-based activities that introduce children to Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Buddhist stories, values, and traditions in an inclusive and accessible way, welcoming children from Hindu and non-Hindu families alike. Programmes delivered include:
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Dharma Club – regular sessions using stories, discussion, crafts, and activities to explore values such as kindness, responsibility, respect, and compassion
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Ramleela – children taking part in storytelling, drama, and performance, developing confidence, teamwork, and creativity
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Hindu Heritage Summer Camp – holiday programmes combining culture, games, creative activities, and learning
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Children Led Dharma Newsletter – encouraging reflection, writing, and creative expression around culture and values
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Activities at community events – child-focused crafts, games, and engagement activities designed to help children feel welcome, included, and actively involved during wider community and cultural events
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Opportunities for young people to speak and perform at events – including announcing performances, performing dances, singing, and explaining cultural traditions, helping them build confidence, communication skills, and public speaking experience​
These activities help children to learn about cultural traditions in an open, welcoming environment, build confidence and communication skills, and develop respect for different beliefs and backgrounds
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Working Across Communities
Our education and youth activities:
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Are open and inclusive, welcoming families from different cultural and faith backgrounds
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Take place in shared community spaces across Northstowe
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Encourage interaction between children who may not otherwise meet
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Are delivered by the community for the community, with volunteers working closely with parents and local partners
This approach helps strengthen community cohesion and supports children to grow up in a connected and respectful environment.
Over the years, we have consistently delivered:
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Regular children’s sessions
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Seasonal and one-off community events
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School-holiday activities
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Civic and social learning opportunities
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Looking Ahead
As we work towards establishing a Hindu Temple & Community Centre, education and youth activities will remain a key public-benefit function of the space - supporting children, families, schools, and the wider community through learning, culture, creativity, and social engagement.