Celebrating Iftar at Sunderland College

Sunderland College together with the Interfaith Forum, held an inspiring event to celebrate Iftar, sharing food and prayer with the community.

Taking place at the College’s Bede Campus, the college was host to their first ever Iftar event and the evening welcomed students, employees and faith leaders from across the community, including Sunderland Mayor Ehthesham Haque and MP Lewis Atkinson.

The Mayor of Sunderland was in attendance, marking the significance of this occasion for both students and the wider community.

Mayor of Sunderland, Councillor Ehthesham Haque, said: “It was a real privilege to be part of Sunderland College’s first Iftar event. Sharing food, culture, and conversation with the college’s staff, students and different community groups made it a memorable evening and it was great to see students leading such an inclusive event that brought people from across Sunderland together.”

This event was student-led and community-focused, allowing people to come together to break fast, share food, and connect as a college community, reflecting the college’s ongoing commitment to inclusion, diversity, and creating a welcoming environment for all.

The Interfaith Forum works with communities to bring people together of all faiths and beliefs. Iftar oftens sees families and communities gather together to share food and prayer and many Muslim communities, mosques or organisations host large communal meals.

Guests enjoyed a variety of food, cooked by the college’s catering students and staff, led by a member of the Sunderland Bangladeshi Centre. There were also guest speakers, including Graeme Jobes from the Interfaith Forum. There were stalls offering traditional dress, students giving henna tattoos and information on display to share more about the meaning of Iftar and its importance.

Tamzin George, Lecturer and Programme Leader for ESOL at Sunderland College added: “Sometimes ESOL students lack the community they need and so this event has been about community and making the college their community – being included, being wanted and being loved.”

Afsina Begum, Graphic Design, Social Impact and Engagement Lead who organised the event, said: “In a world that often feels fast paced and demanding, Ramadan invites us to slow down and take a step back, focusing on inner strength, peace, and the importance of community.

“It is a time of reflection, compassion, and togetherness. Our Iftar gathering embodied this spirit, offering a welcoming space where people could come together, share in the moment, and build meaningful connections across cultures and experiences.”