Each year, the ninth month of Ramadan is observed as a fasting holiday, in remembrance of the fasting done by the Prophet Muhammad when the Quran was first revealed to him. The Muslim holiday is celebrated with fasting each day between fajr and maghrib (dawn and sunset) prayer.

In past years, Youth Exchange and Study (YES) alumni across Nigeria have worked individually on Ramadan projects to provide those in need with food and drinks for iftar, the breaking of the fast after maghrib. This year, YES alumni came together to carry out a national project of providing food for those less fortunate, who often found it difficult to afford iftar food.

YES alumni across the states of Kaduna, Katsina, Taraba, Benue, Sokoto, Plateau and Bauchi reached out to a number of different people in need, serving food at hospitals, orphanages, schools, and disability centers. The nationwide project took place over three days, June 9, 10 and 11. Though it was a Muslim holiday, YES alumni from various faiths helped to serve those participating in the fasting.

A majority of those who were served included orphans and their caretakers. Nigeria has the 3rd highest orphan population in the world, and the orphanages generally get no help or funding outside what the caretaker can provide. Alumni wanted to help those running orphanages in their states to give the children a plentiful iftar meal during the holy month.

The funds for the project were raised through online social media campaigns and donations from other YES alumni. Across the seven states, over 500 people were served during the three day project. Nafisa Bala (YES alumna 2008-2009, Nigeria, hosted in Scranton, PA by ASPECT) mentioned how much the people in the different communities loved the project.

“All those who benefitted from the project were happy and grateful to both YES alumni and the donors,” Nafisa said. “The aim of the project to promote unity and peace, as well as spread love and understanding to those less privileged in our society was achieved.”

Other alumni involved in this project include:

• Abdulhafeez Lawal (YES alumnus 2004-2005, Nigeria, hosted in Cedar Rapids, IA by IRIS)
• Halima Saidu (YES alumna 2007-2008, Nigeria, hosted in Ypsilanti, MI by ASPECT)
• Ishaq Adamu (YES alumnus 2005-2006, Nigeria, hosted in Grinnell, IA by IRIS)
• Ishaku Abner (YES alumna 2009-2010, Nigeria, hosted in Coon Rapids, IA by IRIS)
• Aisha Waziri (YES alumna 2011-2012, Nigeria, hosted in Poughkeepsie, NY by YFU)