Alumni, with the help of English Access Microscholarship (Access) students, prepared an Iftar event during the holy month of Ramadan. The event was held in the city of Qalqilya, where 70 children were able to participate in American- themed carnival games. The children broke their fast on a balanced meal for Iftar, and the alumni topped the evening off by inviting a local hip hop group called “CULTURESHOC Band” to provide entertainment.  Volunteers were assigned certain tasks throughout the event, and the children were divided into groups mentored by either a YES alumnus/na, or an Access student. Activities included painting, tug-of-war, knock the can, the X-O box, and many more! Each group of children enjoyed their time playing with and competing against other groups. Some of the alumni even dressed as clowns to provide extra fun and cheer.

After the games, evening prayer was called and everyone headed to the dining hall at the city zoo where they broke their fast. Once the meal was over, the groups moved to center stage to watch CULTURESHOC Band perform. At the end of the event, everyone left with smiles on their faces. It was a joyous occasion for all of the young children.