KIDS & EDUCATION Celebrations in Dubai schools Schools start the celebrations by involving students and parents in different activities such as decoration in the run-up to Ramadan. Students good at art and craft are asked to make Ramadan props like stars, moons, lanterns and so on. Emma Shanahan, Principal at Aspen Heights British School Al Bahya says, “At Aspen Heights, we are beginning our preparations for the Holy month by holding a community craft event. Families and children will decorate recycled glass jars to use as lanterns. Involving children and the entire community in these preparations ensures everyone feels involved.”
“It is a chance for everyone to gather and have Iftar together”, explains Nancy Hassan, Head of Arabic and Islamic at Dubai British School Jumeirah Park. “Every Ramadan we host two Iftars for the DBS community. One is a visit to the Bastakiya area, open to all. Our main Iftar is hosted at DBS with the support of our PTA (Parent Teacher Association) for parents, teachers, staff and students and is always a hugely popular evening! Guests bring dishes to share and students take part in activities such as a Ramadan quiz and henna,” briefs Simon Jodrell, Principal, Dubai British School
“Last year we asked the parents and the students to write about their good deeds in cards and hang them on the tree we installed in the reception area. It encouraged them to share good thoughts with everyone”, says Nada Almasri, Head of Arabic at Dubai Heights Academy.
Educating students about the cultural importance and other activities Throughout the Holy month, schools educate students about Ramadan through a number of activities including morning assembly sessions on Ramadan, quiz competitions on the subject matter, trips to mosques, having traditional dress days and so on.
Iftar is the evening meal with which Muslims end their daily Ramadan fast at sunset. To educate parents and children about this important Ramadan meal, schools organise community Iftars for staff, parents and students.
“We teach them what is the meaning of fasting and why do we fast in Ramadan. We educate them through songs, plays in the theatre about Ramadan, and short cartoons videos. We also have quiz competitions and give prizes to the students who give
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