We are pleased to sponsor the Birrong Boys High School Iftar this Ramadan. The Iftar were held at the Himalaya Emporium Function Centre 20 June 2016 opened by a Quran recitation by Jaber Deeb, year 11 SRC and welcome by Ahmad AL Khazaaly, School Captain. Various speeches were presented by Jason Clare MP, Darren Stevens Birrong Boys school principal, Mohamad Derbas Birrong Boys School Deputy Principal and Issam Chaouk Director of Projects from Human Appeal International Australia.
Attendees included Ms Jan Green Department of Education Director, Sheikh Wesam Charkawi, Senior Constables Mr Danny McManus and Mr Phillip Smith.
The international guest, Yahya Hawwa, sang a nasheed about Syria with an immense joy and passion and stole the hearts of the audience when he invited some students on the stage to join him. This stunning iftar so needed in our community were organised by Souhair Harris school community liaison officer, iftar committee and school prefects.
Thank you, dear students, teachers and guests who attended, we confidently believe that the experience you’ve received from Human Appeal International Australia will help you make a difference!
We would like to share with you the incredibly complimentary feedback we received from the Ms Souhair Harris, Birrong Boys School Community Liaison Officer.
“The event was a great success, from when you first entered there was a warmly united feeling. It was an honour for me to be able to bring our diverse and rich communities together in an inviting and relaxed atmosphere to share the break of fast and to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. This is the first time the school has held a function of this size and thanks goes to HAIA for their sponsorship of such an event.
The HAIA presentation and video were educational to mo
re than just the students. It gave an insight to the intense work HAIA does to aid those in need. Some feedback I received from non-Muslim guests about the flour distribution video was very emotional and heart felt. One said, “Sometimes it takes such images to allow us to reflect on the blessings we have and really appreciated where we live.”
The guests were impressed with the professionalism of the event. They all enjoyed the program, the delicious food, the entertainment and most importantly our students who helped on the night who looked very smart in the schools formal attire. Many of the VIP guests commented on the beautiful recitation of the Quran, the call of the Athan and were humbled to have the privilege to the prayers which was led by Br Zakaria Mathews. The students, in particular, felt appreciated and were proud to share their customs and traditions with everyone there.
One of the highlights of the night was the water well presentation. As a school, we are honoured and delighted to have been able to raise funds to sponsor a well in a needy country. Activities such as this build the schools moral knowing they were able to participate in a positive gesture.
I take this opportunity to thank the HAIA team for their continued support and I look forward to many years of continued work together for the wellness of all around the world.”
