Teachanywhere says Eid Mubarak

Notes from the General Manager by Diane Jacoutot

One of the pleasures of international teaching is celebrating holidays abroad and Sunday marks the first day of Eid Al Fitr, the celebration at the end of Ramadan.  Ramadan, for those who do not know, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a holy month which marks the period in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed.  During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to strive to a higher level of spirituality to nourish the spiritual side rather than the physical side of themselves, and this is achieved by fasting during the hours of daylight. This means no eating, drinking, smoking and other pleasurable activities from sunrise to sunset. Even drinking water is not allowed.  In addition, Muslim virtues are emphasised such as charity to the poor, patience, steadfastness, etc.

Ramadan ends with a three day holiday and celebration, Eid Al Fitr, the Feast of the Breaking of the Fast. This is time for family celebrations, outdoor prayer, large gatherings and the giving of money to children. This year Eid Al Fitr runs Sunday, Monday and Tuesday and these are bank holidays in the UAE and many other countries.  A traditional greeting is “Eid Mubarak” meaning roughly “May you enjoy a blessed festival”.

If you are fortunate enough to be in a Muslim country for Ramadan and Eid, I encourage you to participate wherever possible. If you are invited to a meal or celebration by all means go.  Your hosts are understandably proud of their culture and heritage, and by inviting you to participate, are sharing this with you.  Understanding another culture by firsthand experience is hopefully one of the reasons you have gone abroad in the first place. It’s what makes living abroad so much better than just going on holiday.

Speaking of holidays, I should also mention that World Teacher Day is coming up on 5 October and to celebrate this year Teachanywhere is having a fabulous competition to celebrate.  We are inviting schools and classes around the world to send us their poetry, artwork, videos and essays celebrating those who make such a difference – You!  

 Please see www.teachanywhere.com/worldteacherday for more information. The winning class, judged by a respected South African artist,  will be presented with £500 of free school resources.

All the best

Diane Jacoutot

General manager, Teachanywhere

Ps. Apologies to all of Ireland. Ireland has actually won 9 gold medals, not one. I should fire my researcher (me) and hire a new one (someone else)! Thanks to all the Irish readers who gently pointed out my error.