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Children and Ramadan: Fasting yes, health is going on!
In Steyr, over 260 children fast, many with a migration background. Schools pay attention to health and respect religious practices.
Children and Ramadan: Fasting yes, health is going on!
in Steyr 260 students attend middle school and the Münichholz polytechnic school, with over half of having a migration background. Many of these children are currently fasting as part of the Ramadan. The school has actively communicated with the parents and emphasizes that the priority is given in the event of health concerns. Director Günther Briedl expressed: "I admire it when someone faces the challenge of fasting. But school operations must not suffer." Despite the challenge of fasting, you don't notice any serious health problems, even if some children are somewhat weakened, which is also due to the increasing temperatures. In addition, there are around 12,000 Muslim school children in Upper Austria, whereby fasting is usually only recommended from mental and physical maturity, says Senad Podojak from the Islamic Faith.
a pressure from society and digital media
According to current reports from Weekend.at, more and more children fast, although they are not obliged to do so until puberty. Religious maturity in Islam is between 12 and 14 years. However, many children take pressure themselves or experience expectations from their parents or through social media. The health risks such as dehydration, circulatory problems and hypoglycaemia should not be underestimated. Carla Amina Baghajati, head of school at IGGÖ, underlines the need for parents to give their children a snack and allow them to eat or drink as needed. The IGGÖ has also published an orientation aid that should sensitize parents and teachers to the challenges and possibilities of fasting in the school context.
This discussion will continue until the sugar festival on March 30th, while parents and teachers focus on the importance of a dialogue in order to promote the understanding of the health aspects of fasting at school. Schools face the challenge of making this dialog open and respecting the needs of the students without putting it under pressure, as must be observed in the current reports.