Prime Minister Tony Blair has praised a unique citizenship programme established by a Bradford teacher.

The Nasiha Project, developed by 32- year-old Cottingley teacher Sajid Hussain, encourages young British Muslims to identify and live by the shared British values of justice, peace and respect.

Its curriculum promotes community cohesion and aims to help pupils remain resilient to the small number of extremists who peddle violence and hate.

A group of 16 Muslim Year 10 pupils at Nab Wood School in Cottingley, as well as students at five Bradford-based madrassahs - Islamic schools attached to mosques - have begun the pioneering programme.

In a speech made today in which he announced Government funding would be made available to help train Muslim imams in UK universities, Mr Blair praised the Nab Wood scheme.

As part of "strategically important" moves to protect British interests, the Government aims to reduce mosques' reliance on overseas ministers who may not understand British society or speak good English.

The Government also announced plans to allow tighter scrutiny of Islamic Studies courses.

Bradford University does not run have its own imam or run an Islamic Studies course. However, it does have two Muslim faith advisers.

Reacting to Mr Blair's praise, Mr Hussain said the Nasiha programme was now undergoing a consultation period to allow further contribution from community leaders.

"Contributions from a wide variety of community groups and individuals will enhance the positive flavour of this citizenship programme," added Mr Hussain.

Elaine Shoesmith, Nab Wood head teacher, said: "Above all Nasiha has a central set of concepts which include respect for each other and love of humanity. These are the beliefs we think all cultural, religious and non-religious groups should strive for."

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