Teaching Henna

Story: Najam Hussain and Lisa Swift

Whiteway's school started an on going Henna course in November for local parents and children.

The course includes the basic history of Henna. Henna is small shrub from Asia, who's leaves are crushed and used as a paste. It was first used 4000 years ago by the Pharaohs, and also used for medicinal purposes as well as decorating the body, hands, feet and hair. It's mostly used in the Eastern culture for weddings and various celebrations.

As part of the course parents and children learnt how to mix henna and make cones, as well as designing patterns using the internet and drawing on paper.

Course tutor Najam Hussain, who is a local Henna artist, who told the Messenger "I've always enjoyed doing Henna, I've always been creative and enjoyed art. I've been doing it professionally for seven years now. It's the first time I've taught a course, and it was good to try something new, I was a bit nervous but I have enjoyed it."

Students have really enjoyed the course, especially creating designs and practicing with Henna cones. Farzana Khan said:

<"My niece really enjoyed it. It was fun for them working with other children, and for parents to work with their children."

Najam is now planning a course in Islamic art and calligraphy in February, if you're interesting in joining the Henna or Islamic art course contact Usha Blackham 242 3169 at Whiteways Junior School.