Oldham school hosts 600+ at community Iftar event

More than 600 people gathered at E-ACT The Oldham Academy North last week for a community Iftar event that brought together students, staff, families, and local residents to break fast during Ramadan.

The evening, organised by academy staff, saw guests share a meal at sunset and engage in conversation about faith, community, and understanding. Interim headteacher Natalie Kennerley described the event as 'incredibly special', saying it reflected the school's culture of inclusion where 'every student is known, valued, and supported'.

Beyond the shared meal, the event raised funds to install water pumps in Bangladesh and Pakistan, each bearing the academy's name. This charitable element honours the generosity of the TOAN community and extends its impact beyond Oldham to communities in need.

The gathering demonstrated how schools can serve as bridges between different faiths and cultures, creating spaces where traditions are shared and respected. For the young people attending, it showed 'what it looks like to be part of a community that is open, respectful, and united', according to Kennerley.

As Ramadan continues until March 19, the event stands as a reminder of the power of coming together across differences-whether that's sharing a meal, learning about another's faith, or supporting communities thousands of miles away.