Eden Girls’ School thanks partners by sharing food celebration
Our school brought pupils and local partners together to share in an interfaith Iftar event.
Our Big Iftar was the perfect occasion to show our gratitude to some of the partner agencies with which we work throughout the year.
Around 200 people gathered in school to share a meal as pupils, staff and members of the local community broke their fast together on Friday 25 May.
The Mayor of Slough Councillor Paul Sohal was in attendance. Guests included representatives of the London and Slough Run, a charity that supports the homeless for which the school raised over £1,000 during our festive winter gift programme.
Young leaders from Slough Youth Parliament were invited along to the event too, in recognition of the support members have given to our democracy related activities.
The event was also attended by a number of faith leaders, including local Reverend Linda Hillier, Chaplain to the Mayor of Slough, as well as National Co-ordinator of The Big Iftar Julie Siddiqi.
Before the meal was shared, pupils gave presentations on the valuable contributions different sections of the community make to life in Slough. They shared their experiences of working with Slough Youth Parliament, and of the work they had carried out through the First Give programme that saw local charities benefit from pupils’ fundraising and awareness campaigns. There was also a performance from our school choir.
Principal Karim Murcia said:
“The event was a special opportunity to bring members of our local community and partners together to celebrate our commonalities and show gratitude for the ways in which we collaborate on a variety of projects throughout the school year for the benefit of our young people.”
Julie Siddiqi, National Co-founder of The Big Iftar, added:
“The Big Iftar is such a brilliant project with Iftar events happening all over the country now hosted not just by Muslims but in synagogues, churches and cathedrals too. Ramadan is a great time to bring people together through food. Our motto sums it up well – Faith – Friendship – Hospitality – and Eden Girls’ School once again showed all of these in the most brilliant way.”
Councillor Shabnum Sadiq, Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services at Slough Borough Council, said:
“I was delighted that Eden Girls’ School staff and students opened their doors and their hearts to bring together communities from all backgrounds to enjoy the true essence of Ramadan. I was honoured to be amongst the esteemed guests and we were equally impressed with the enthusiasm and grandeur of the event, organised by staff and students who had been fasting for more than 18 hours.”
Photo captions:
Members of the local community gathered at Eden Girls’ School, Slough for the Big Iftar event – left to right are: Giovanni Ferri, Roz McDonnell, Rev Linda Hillier, Mayor of Slough Councillor Paul Sohal, Julie Siddiqi and Councillor Shabnum Sadiq
Added By: Eden Girls' School, Slough | Date Added: 4th Jun 2018 | Posted In: Latest News