EYE-OPENER FOR U.S. TEACHERS
Duo who are posted to Felda schools thrilled to observe Ramadan
JOINING in to experience what it is like for a Muslim to fast during the month of Ramadan has been an eye opening experience for two English Teaching Assistants (ETA) who are posted at secondary schools in Felda settlements near here.
Excitement was written on the faces of Nicole Charette, 24, and Kendall Iaquinta, 23, as they helped SMK Jengka 16 ETA mentor Wan Fariha Wan Azami to unpack and arrange food on the dining table at the school here yesterday.
Clad in baju kurung, the two United States citizens were getting ready to break fast with several local menus, including murtabak, Malay kuih, mee goreng (fried noodles) and nasi minyak, as they were joined by several students.
When it was time to break fast, they immediately fetched the water bottle, which they had brought along and ate some dates before Charette helped herself to a plate of vegetarian fried rice while Iaquinta had mee goreng.
California-born Iaquinta, who is assigned to SMK Jengka 18, said she had previously tried fasting during her university days. But that was for 30 hours, during which she could consume water.
The graduate from Azusa Pacific University, California, described the practice of fasting during Ramadan as a unique display of discipline as people took in all the challenges in excitement and good faith.
“I did ask my students and teachers on how do they go through it. It is amazing. They even told me that I could start fasting for a few hours (in a single day), followed by half a day and gradually fast the entire day.
“Nicole (Charette) and myself often look forward to Ramadan bazaar where we could find a variety of local food and snacks. Everything looks tempting and the traders would often persuade us to try some of the (food) items sold at their stalls. We seldom resist,” she said.
Iaquinta, who is a biology major, said they had also become a huge fan of the local food especially nasi lemak, tom yam (spicy soup) and Kuey Teow Kungfu, which were sold in the vicinity, and were regulars at the night food stalls.
Charette, who is from Massachusetts, said being a vegetarian had not prevented her from enjoying the local dishes and she had even learnt some local words so that she would be able to inform the cook when placing her order.
The Nazareth College graduate said she would usually inform them tak mahu ayam dan daging (no chicken and meat) and after spending almost five months here, most of the eatery outlet operators were aware that she was a vegetarian.
Posted to SMK Jengka 16, Charette said trying to fast gave her an idea of what it felt like during the month of Ramadan.
“Now with Hari Raya Aidilfiltri fast approaching, both of us have received numerous invitations to open house events from teachers and students. In fact, we are looking forward and have both sewn baju kurung to be worn during the occasion.”