Erdington Academy holds Iftar event: More than 150 students, staff and local people came together at Erdington Academy to break their fast with a delicious Iftar feast.
With Muslims all over the world celebrating Ramadan this month, staff at the multicultural Erdington Academy, which is part of the ambitious Fairfax Multi Academy Trust, wanted to give members of the community an opportunity to eat, drink, celebrate, and learn more about each other.
During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset, with Iftar being the meal eaten at sunset to break their fast.
Head of Year Yasser Khan explained: “Fasting is a very important part of our faith, but it’s not the only part of Ramadan. We do extra prayers, and take extra care to show gratitude, help others and mind our tongues.
“You can see so much happiness and kindness in the community, as we all consciously try to better ourselves.”
Both Muslims and non-Muslims were invited into the school to pray or to observe the occasion, after which a fantastic meal was served.
Kerrian Folkes, teacher and community engagement lead, said: “We had pakoras, shish kebabs and samosas for starters, with chicken jalfrezi, rice, roast potatoes and more for the main.
“The tables were set for 154 people, and with it being a free event open to anyone regardless of faith, we’ve had an outpouring of support. It’s the first time we’ve done an Iftar meal, and we’re hoping we can do it every year!”
The community aspect of Ramadan was on full display throughout the celebration, with the Iftar meal only being possible thanks to the tireless work of teachers, families and local people.
Mrs Folkes said: “It’s been a real community effort. Tesco Hodge Hill donated water and fruits, teachers’ families have got involved preparing food, and we had sixty prayer mats donated from a member of the community.”
There was also a focus on charity work to give back to the community, on both a local and global scale.
Mr Khan said: “Charity is central to the Islamic faith, and so many other faiths too. Today we’ve been supporting three charities, which our guests have very kindly donated to.
“Leftover food will be boxed up and people can take it home with them, so there’ll be more than enough for everyone!”
The charities supported by Erdington Academy were Birmingham Hospice, in honour of former staff members who have passed away, MATW Project (Muslims Around The World), and a local charity providing food, clothing and essentials to women in need.
At the end of the meal, everyone in attendance felt uplifted and left with a greater understanding of one another.
PSHE Lead Mollie Duncanson said: “It educates us all on things we might not see every day, while also giving Muslims in our community a chance to come together and celebrate in a big group.
“We’re making a positive contribution on this community here in Erdington.”
Mr Khan said: “We really wanted tonight to be about togetherness, and highlighting our similarities rather than our differences.
“Almost every major religion has some kind of fasting. Christians have Lent, which we’ve been talking about in school recently, and fasting is part of Judaism, Hinduism and Sikhism too.
“One thing I really noticed is that when we Muslims pray, we bow down to the floor with our heads to the ground. This is the same way that people belonging to so many other faiths pray.
“We all have our belief systems, regardless of faith, colour or ethnicity – and we’re not that different from each other.”
Principal Simon Mallett said: “Here at Erdington Academy we have such a great connection with our diverse community, which we love. The Iftar meal has been a great success, and I hope we can make it an annual tradition.
“These cultural events are so important. It’s about demystifying things, widening our understanding and bringing us all together in a positive way.”