This past March, ETA Iyesha Belgrave hosted Ramadan Bliss, a cross-cultural event between SMA NU Al-Ma’ruf and Muslim students from Duke University. Over 150 students and teachers from Al-Ma’ruf had the opportunity to learn about how Ramadan is celebrated in America, and were able to share customs and traditions of Ramadan in Indonesia with Americans.

Leading up to Ramadan Bliss, students in grades 10 and 11 compiled a list of questions to ask the Duke students, and put their English skills to the test as they prepared to answer the questions they received from Duke students as well.

The event began with Iyesha sharing a brief history of Islam in America, before diving into a Q&A session. Then, students from both countries shared short day-in-the-life vlogs, showcasing their Ramadan Routines. Finally, attendees were able to put their knowledge to the test with English Ramadan trivia games. To close the event, attendees broke fast together with takjil before eating a Kudus staple, Soto Kerbau.

Ramadan Mubarak!

Iyesha Belgrave is currently teaching at SMA NU Al Ma’ruf Kudus, Jawa Tengah.