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Embracing Eid at Eastleigh College

Eastleigh College have organised a special event in the Learner Hub to support all our students and staff who participate in Eid.

Eid al-Fitr is one of the marquee events in the Islamic calendar, with approximately 2 billion people worldwide gathering to recognise this religious holiday each year. It signifies the conclusion of Ramadan, a month in which fasting is observed during daylight hours alongside spiritual reflection, prayer and doing good deeds. Eid al-Fitr is one of two sacred Eid festivals each year, the other being Eid al-Adha which takes place from 9th - 13th July and commemorates the biblical patriarch Ibrahim’s (Abraham’s) sacrifice.

There is currently no public holiday to recognise Eid in the United Kingdom and 2022 marks the first time in three years that participants have been able to publicly celebrate without COVID-19 restrictions. With over 200 Muslim learners enrolled in study, Eastleigh College wanted to show solidarity and provide a platform on campus open to anyone wishing to partake in festivities.

Jomila Begum Ahmed, ESOL lecturer and coordinator of the Eid campus event, said: "We are so happy to have celebrated Eid on campus and are very grateful for all the staff and students who made this such an uplifting event. Many attendees were part of our SLUKY (Skills for Living in the UK) program, and have lost touch with family back home so this was a lovely opportunity to congregate with fellow learners and celebrate Eid together.”

Over 25 learners attended the event with a steady stream of staff and students also joining at times throughout the afternoon, many of whom were not of Islamic faith. A stand was further set up in the Learner Hub filled with food and balloons for all to enjoy.

Osama, a full-time SLUKY learner at Eastleigh College, said: “I am so happy that we have had Eid celebrated in College. The event gave us the chance to talk to fellow learners across the College that we wouldn’t otherwise meet - it was great to meet new friends at College.”

Following the success of this first Eid event, plans are in place to organise a similar event to mark the second Eid celebration in July.

Learners of all faiths are always welcome to use our Chaplaincy and Reflection Room which is open throughout the week, with a local chaplain visiting the campus each Thursday to provide support and guidance for any learner who wishes to talk. The chaplain can also be reached at chaplaincy@eastleigh.ac.uk.

For any further information, please contact the College at BeBetter@eastleigh.ac.uk.