A free copy of a secularist text called The Young Atheist’s Handbook is being sent to every secondary school in England and Wales, in a drive to help teenagers live well without recourse to religion.
 
The initiative, which is solely funded by public donations, is the latest effort from the British Humanist Association (BHA) to support the teaching of humanist ideas in schools.
 
The Young Atheist’s Handbook, written by science teacher Alom Shaha, recounts his personal journey, from growing up as a Muslim in a Bangladeshi community in south-east London to eventually rejecting Islam and embracing atheism. It also includes his reflections on philosophy and theology.
 
Mr Shaha told The Independent that he hoped the scheme would expose young people to ideas beyond their upbringing. “Young people don’t buy books,” he said. “But I wrote it with the hope that it would be read by teenagers.
 
Andrew Copson, chief executive of the BHA, said of the initiative: “We couldn’t be happier that young people everywhere will now have access to this wonderful book. "Alom’s message will no doubt inspire young people who are looking to find fulfilment and meaning in their lives, whatever their family background.”