Global Ambassadors host 3rd annual Iftar Evening
On Wednesday 5th March we hosted our 3rd annual Interfaith Iftar, where everyone in the Nova community was invited to take part in the traditional breaking of the fast during Ramadan, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and families who contributed food, drink (including hot spiced karak chai), sweet treats and dates.
The students were impeccable and helped ensure the numerous tasks were carried out in the evening to host almost 200 guests. We also had many familiar faces (ex-students) from the past who are now in Y12/13, it was wonderful to see them come back to say hello.
Thank you so much to the staff, guests and ex-student Liam Spencer for helping with collecting food/drink items from local businesses. Without them, 90% of the items donated wouldn't have made it to the theatre on the evening.
After introduction and welcomes, everyone shared the traditional breaking of the fast, and guests were able to pray and observe Maghrib prayers in the adjoining Drama studio. Special thank you to Mr Brown for speaking and doing the call to prayer (Adhaan) and to Tahmid for leading prayers. And for a beautiful supplication, thank you to Dr Muhammad Rashid Siddique. The wonderful Ramadan balloon decoration piece was the focal point of photos with our Deputy Mayor, Cllr Fay Howard, who was in attendance with her husband.
This gathering was a real triumph, showing that no matter what walk of life we come from, we can all come together to communally build bridges across our community. It is experiences like these which enrich our lives, and we hope to see more guests come along next time.
My sincere gratitude to Mrs Malik and the school's incredible Global Ambassadors for their hard work in organising this inclusive event. A massive thank you also to the generous Nova familes and local businesses who donated the delicious food. Events like these strengthen our community bonds and celebrate our diversity.
Cllr Fay Howard, Deputy Mayor of Swindon
A special thank you to the following businesses and families for your generous contributions, apologies if anyone has been missed as we had extra donations on the night:
Caprinos Pizza, Biplob, Arabian Nights, Beenies, Maryam's Kitchen, ZuDuzo Kitchen, Mummy's Kitchen, Khyber, Lalbagh, Curry Cottage, Dilkush, Kaspa, Mr Kebab, Tandoori nights, Bindhi's Fatima, Esme C, Guvercin family, Sodexo, Emelia, Qurat ul Ann, Nyanti, Khaleq family, Shalaby family, Khulood, Rabia Nasir, Baraa G, Shad family, Mahmood family, Ghaffar family.
And last but not least, Liam, Ms Clare & Mr Griffiths for collecting items after school from across Swindon. Thank you Mr Harding-Mbogo, Mrs Hendra and Mr Delap for being so helpful throughout the night and to the wonderful Admin team for helping with the lead up to the event.
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