“Even if you can do a very small thing, just do it, because it will leave a good impact.”

As well as the physical impact of fasting, Ramadan can have an emotional impact on a family, reminding them of a way of life they have lost, and friends and family they can no longer celebrate with. Community Sponsorship volunteer Abdulrahman tells us more below and suggests how groups can support a refugee family through what can be a lonely time.

“Ramadan is the month when all family members come together in one house, sharing food, talking, enjoying playing after breaking fast.
For example for myself, my sisters, my family, my uncles, my aunts, all of us will join in my grandfather’s home. It feels like more than 100 persons in one house eating, sharing, talking, laughing, a lot of noise – you cannot hear each other!

Imagine then transferring to another situation where you sit just three or four people together – you, your wife and children. No other family, no friends. You will not hear other people celebrating Ramadan. There is no sound of Adhan [call to prayer] telling you when to break your fast. You will not smell the food in all the streets during start time. It can be very, very difficult.

As a group, we do our best to create this feeling of Ramadan for the family. Someone from our group goes to their house, brings food, they break fast together, eat and drink together, play together. It’s very informal – they are not filling in application forms or anything like this. It’s a very casual, friendly visit.