Ramadhan Festival 3.0 Strengthens IIUM Bond with Refugee Students

By, Syuhada Yusoff

GOMBAK, 19 March 2025: The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) hosted the Ramadhan Festival 3.0 at the Banquet Hall, ISTAC IIUM, bringing together 80 refugee students and staff members from Fugee School, today. The event was organised by InUnity IIUM in collaboration with IIUM Student Union, aiming to promote cultural understanding and provide a meaningful Iftar experience for the participants. The programme reflected IIUM’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, celebrating diversity, and strengthening relationships within the community during the holy month of Ramadhan.

The event commenced with a Qura recitation by a student from Fugee School, followed by opening remarks and a welcoming speech delivered by the Programme Manager, the Head of Fugee School, and the VIP guests.

Head of Well-being at Fugee School, Anna Tajminah, emphasised the significance of Ramadhan in cultivating values of generosity and togetherness, while also highlighting the importance of empowering refugees to pursue their aspirations despite the challenges they face.

A key highlight of the event was the motivational speech by Dr. Usman Jaffer, who encouraged the refugee students to embrace their journeys with resilience and determination. Through an engaging quiz on Ramadhan and a reflective discussion, he urged them to set future goals and reminded them that being a refugee should never be a source of shame. Instead, he inspired them to view their experiences as stepping stones towards success and self-betterment.

Another meaningful activity, “Draw the Dreams”, provided an opportunity for refugee students to express their aspirations. Many participants shared their dreams of becoming pilots, doctors, and engineers, while some expressed their heartfelt wishes to bring their parents to the holy land of Mecca.

The event continued with a nasheed performance by Fugee School students, gathering to break their fast together, a prize-giving session, and a token of appreciation ceremony to recognise the contributions of organisers and participants.

The Ramadhan Festival 3.0 successfully fostered unity and cross-cultural engagement among IIUM students and the refugee community. By providing a platform for meaningful interactions and shared experiences, the event not only strengthened relationships but also upheld the core values of compassion and generosity in Ramadhan.***