Families Come Together For Princeville’s First Community Iftar!
Wednesday 26 March was a very special night at Co-op Academy Princeville. The school hosted its first ever Community Iftar, where more than 250 people came together to break their fast during the holy month of Ramadan.
Families started arriving at 5:30pm and took their seats in the dining hall, ready for the evening to begin. They were given a warm welcome by our Head of School, Mrs Shaw, and our Executive Headteacher, Ms Aasim.
Then, it was time for some wonderful performances by our talented Year 5 and 6 pupils. They shared important messages about Ramadan, recited verses from the Qu'ran, and sang beautiful naats and nasheeds. Everyone was so impressed by their confidence and hard work!
As the sun went down, it was time to break the fast. Pupils led everyone in a special prayer called a dua. Then, everyone enjoyed dates and cucumber – a tasty way to signify the end of the day's fast. After that, there was a delicious first course of onion bhajis, samosas, pakoras, and chaat, followed by a yummy chicken or vegetarian biryani. To finish off the tasty meal, there was a choice of mango dream or red velvet cake for dessert!
The school is very grateful to many different companies and organisations who kindly donated much of the food for the event.
Ramadan is also a time for charity and thinking about others. Guests had the chance to hear from SKT Charity and make donations if they wished.
It was a "great event because it's important to share our culture and help everyone, muslim and non-muslim, understand what Islam is about and to bring the community closer together."
Mrs Shaw, our Head of School, said, "It's so wonderful to see so many of our families and children here together. It's truly heartwarming to gather as a school and celebrate this special occasion, further uniting our community and demonstrating our Co-op Ways of Being #succeedtogether #dowhatmattersmost and #showyoucare.”
“This is my first Ramadan at the school, and I've been so impressed by the resilience and positivity of the children that have been fasting. I'm incredibly proud of each and everyone.”
“Tonight is not only about breaking our fast together but also celebrating the hard work of the children who have put so much into their performances. As a Co-op Trust, our ‘Ways of Being’ include 'show you care,' and this event is a wonderful way to do that.”
“I'm grateful to all the staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to make it possible."
What a fantastic way for our school community to come together, learn from each other, and share a special evening!
