Connector March 2025

CONNECTOR.AE 42 CONNECTOR.AE 43 KIDS AND EDUCATION KIDS AND EDUCATION the school community together in the spirit of Ramadan. Mr. Simon Crane, HeadMaster of Brighton College Dubai says “We are excited to celebrate and honour the Holy Month of Ramadan at Brighton College Dubai. Our UAE Ambassadors will be delivering assemblies on Ramadan for both Prep and Senior pupils, while our entire community will be coming together to support theRamadan fridge initiative which seeks to support fasting workers by providing themwith food items to break the fast with. We will also be holding a school-wide Quran competition and a communal Iftar event towards the end of the month”. Ghadeer Abu-Shamat, from GEMS Al Khaleej International School, also points out one of their key initiatives this year, “The Four Wells Project highlights the importance of Islamic endowments (Waqf) in providing sustainable support to communities in need. Through this project, in collaboration with Dar Al Ber Society, students, parents, and staff come together to raise funds that will provide access to clean water for underprivileged communities. In addition, our Ramadan Fridge reinforces the value of giving by allowing students and parents to donate food and beverages to be placed in a public refrigerator, allowing anyone in need to access nourishing meals throughout the month.” Ghadeer continues by highlighting another initiative at GEMS this Ramadan, “Eid Clothing “Our UAE Ambassadors will be delivering assemblies on Ramadan for both Prep and Senior pupils.” Building Community Through Initiatives And Events Ramadan is an opportunity for schools to instil values of charity and community service, while offering cultural immersion and community bonding. Many institutions organise community Iftars, bringing together students, parents and staff to share the evening meal in a spirit of unity. Others launch charitable initiatives, such as food donation drives, fundraising campaigns and outreach programs supporting underprivileged communities. Sarah Estebanez, Deputy Head of School Improvement at Repton School Dubai, says “We are excited to introduce our inaugural Ramadan Bazaar, a community-driven initiative designed to immerse students, staff, and parents in the cultural traditions of Ramadan. Led by parent volunteers and the school’s Student Leadership Team, the bazaar will feature interactive stalls where students can explore various aspects of the Holy Month. Activities will include Arabic calligraphy, Ramadan lantern decorating, storytelling, book donations, and other cultural showcases, creating an engaging and educational experience for all”. Repton School will also be hosting a community Iftar, bringing Project is another heartfelt initiative designed to bring joy to less fortunate children and families by providing them with new clothing for Eid”. Such initiatives across schools in Dubai nurture empathy and generosity while also providing “Eid Clothing Project is another heartfelt initiative designed to bring joy to less fortunate children and families by providing them with new clothing for Eid”. hands-on learning experiences that instil perennial values of Ramadan in students and parents from all communities. Harmonising Education And Tradition During Ramadan, schools across Dubai take exceptional and inspiring actions, blending academic goals with a deep respect for the cultural and spiritual significance of Ramadan, while building an inclusive ethos among students, families and staff members alike. The harmonisation of education and tradition ensures that all students, whether fasting or not, experience Ramadan as a time of learning, inclusivity and personal growth. By fostering an understanding of shared values, Dubai’s schools not only accommodate students observing Ramadan but also reinforce the importance of cultural appreciation and community spirit, making the school environment a nurturing space for all during this sacred month.

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzU4NjA=