Fostering Inclusivity and Support During Fasting Observances
At Somersfield Academy, we are committed to nurturing an inclusive community where all members feel valued and supported. As we enter the seasons of Ramadan, The Bahá’í Nineteen Day Fast, and Lent, it is essential to understand and respect the religious observances of our diverse student body and staff.
Ramadan, observed by Muslims worldwide, involves fasting from dawn until sunset for twenty-nine or thirty days. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed with spiritual reflection and self-discipline. Similarly, The Nineteen Day Fast, observed by Bahá’ís, entails fasting from sunrise to sunset during the 19-day month of Ala, fostering spiritual growth and renewal. Lent, a Christian observance spans forty days of fasting or restriction, reflection, and penance leading up to Easter Sunday.
During these fasting periods, it's crucial for us to come together as a community and support one another. Here are some practical ways we can support fasting students and staff members at Somersfield Academy:
Parental Guidance: We kindly ask parents to engage in conversations with their children about the significance of fasting during religious observances such as Ramadan, The Bahá’í Nineteen Day Fast and Lent. It is important for children to understand that some of their peers and teachers may be fasting during this time and how they can offer support.
Understanding Differences: Please explain to your child that fasting is a personal choice rooted in religious beliefs, and it's essential to respect and support their fasting classmates and teachers. Help them understand that some people may fast on specific days or have varying fasting practices, and we should embrace these differences with kindness and understanding.
Empathy and Patience: Encourage your child to show empathy and patience toward their fasting friends, who may experience hunger or fatigue during the school day. Remind them to be considerate and supportive, offering words of encouragement and acts of kindness to make fasting individuals feel valued and respected in our school community.
It is also important to recognise that fasting is not exclusive to these religious traditions. Members of our community may observe fasting at other times of the year as part of different religious practices. For example, fasting is observed in Judaism during Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and in Buddhism during certain days of the lunar calendar. As a diverse and inclusive school, it is our responsibility to extend the same courtesy and support to those observing fasting in other traditions.
Fostering inclusivity and support is integral to upholding the values of Somersfield Academy. By raising awareness, and encouraging empathy and respect, we can ensure that all members of our community feel valued and supported. Let's come together to uphold our shared values of diversity, empathy, and inclusivity.