Sleman, Indonesia - This year, the Jogjakarta Montessori Elementary School (JMES) community held back its annual Ramadhan gathering, JMES Iftar. In celebration of the fasting month, JMES iftar served as a meaningful occasion to embrace the spirit of unity, the warmth of togetherness, and happiness through shared foods among students, teachers, and staff. This event was held on 18 March 2025 for the JMES Grade 1-3, followed by the Grade 4-6 on 19 March 2025, providing an opportunity for the school community to come together in the spirit of Ramadhan, strengthen bonds, and celebrate shared values.

Since afternoon, the students brought dishes from snacks to heavy meals to school to be shared, ensuring a diverse and plentiful Iftar meal for everyone. The gathering began with fun, creative activities of coloring for the Grade 1-3, to color the pictures of donation cards. The cards that the students had decorated would be used for donation packages. After the activity, the students assembled at the hall, dressed with Islamic cultural nuance. The students joined an inspiring kultum (short religious talk), where they listened to meaningful reflections about gratitude and togetherness. Following the talk, the students engaged in a series of enjoyable games, enhancing the joyful atmosphere of that afternoon.

As the call to Maghrib prayer marked the time to break the fast, the Muslim students, teachers, and staff continued to join the Maghrib prayer. At the same time, the non-Muslim friends waited patiently in the hall, reflecting the generosity, communal spirit, and respectful environment for all.

The room was filled with warmth and anticipation as students and teachers gathered back in the hall, enjoying the assortment of delicious dishes that the teachers and students had lovingly prepared and shared. Laughter, conversation, and comforting aroma echoed throughout the hall as everyone exchanged stories and expressed gratitude for the shared meal and experience.

The event lasted with a profound sense of fulfillment, gratitude, and connection. The JMES community is delighted for the shared moments between students and teachers in such a meaningful way.

The Iftar gathering is a bridge to appreciation, community bonds, and inclusivity for all.

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