Observing Ramadan during NCS

The information below is to help answer questions you may have about observing Ramadan whilst on the National Citizens Service Programme in summer 2012:

I’m concerned about being able to observe Ramadan whilst I’m away…

Future Foundations and its delivery partners will do all that we can to ensure that participants are able to observe Ramadan whilst on programme with us. There are three sections of the programme where Ramadan can fall.

Week 1 – The Teambuiding week:

• High energy food and water can be provided before or after fasting, both in the morning and in the evening.
• Although provided, it is the responsibility of the individual to wake up for Suhoor in time to eat and drink.
• Quiet space can be found for prayer 5 times a day. It is the individual’s responsibility to inform a member of staff when this is.
• Space can be found for all who wish to break their fast together for Iftar.

The team activities can be physically tough. If young people are putting their safety at risk by exerting too much effort whilst fasting, they may be asked not to continue with specific activities.

Week 2 – Local Residential:

• During the local residential week, catered meals will be made available for all students observing Ramadan at Suhoor and Iftar. All catered meals will be in accordance with Halal principles.
• Although provided, it is the responsibility of the individual to wake up for Suhoor in time to eat and drink.
• Quiet space can be found for prayer 5 times a day. It is the individual’s responsibility to inform a member of staff when this is.
• Space can be found for all who wish to break their fast together for Iftar.

The local residential week can be mentally tiring. Young people observing Ramadan will be encouraged to participate fully in the group discussions and tasks. If this is too demanding for those fasting, they may be asked to rest during some tasks.

Week 3 – Local programme

As this programme is non-residential and students attend during day light hours, Future Foundations will not be providing an area for breaking fast.

• Quiet space can be found for prayer 5 times a day. It is the individual’s responsibility to inform a member of staff when this is.

Eid

Should Eid fall at the same time as the programme, any person wishing to celebrate Eid will be allowed to be absent from the programme for one day. This needs to be agreed with Future Foundations staff in advance.

Next Steps:

Please let us know if you wish to observe Ramadan so that we can ensure the necessary provisions are in place for you/your child. Contact a member of the FF team via email at: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or on 0203 432 3450.