Celebrating Eid: A Day of Community, Culture, and Connection
The event brought together colleagues and members of our community, to educate, inform and celebrate the Islamic faith.
We shared great food, had our hands decorated with henna, met friends and family, and heard from Shahinoor Alom our guest speaker who explained the traditions around Ramadan and Eid.
The event was organised by 17 year old Alesha Amin, a member of our Community Academy. Here she speaks about why celebrating Eid with colleagues and community is important to her.
"Celebrating Eid has always been close to my heart, and this year, I felt inspired to share that joy with those around me. What truly sparked the idea was the genuine curiosity and enthusiasm I saw from my colleagues during Ramadan. Many of them had questions, wanted to understand more, and were open and excited to learn. That energy made me want to create something special—an event that would celebrate Eid in a way that was meaningful, educational, and inclusive.
"From planning to execution, I led the event from start to finish. We transformed the space with beautiful decorations provided by mysalahmat and delicious food made by mirichi for everyone to enjoy. There were a range of activities for all ages, including henna, a book reading corner, and a kids’ colouring table. We also welcomed a fantastic guest speaker Shahinoor Alom, who walked us through the significance of Ramadan, the meaning behind Eid, and broader aspects of Islamic culture and values. It was heartwarming to see colleagues leave with smiles on their faces, having learned something new while truly enjoying the celebration.
"But we didn’t stop there, we opened our doors to the wider community, including local families and friends like Rushna Begum, CEO of kidcare4U, Kamal Ali, CEO of Mysalahmat and Lesley Wood from Gwent police. It was a proud moment to see so many people from different backgrounds come together, share stories, and offer positive feedback. It was more than just an event; it was a step toward building understanding, breaking down barriers, and making history, being one of the first Eid celebrations of its kind within our building society.
"This experience reminded me of the power of connection, and how much can be achieved when we lead with curiosity, kindness, and community spirit.
"I was welcomed into the society in September 2024 through the Community Academy, and from day one, I’ve felt nothing but support and encouragement. I truly believe I wouldn’t have had the opportunities I do now without the incredible colleagues around me. Being part of this team has helped shape me into the person I am today, and I’m so grateful for the platform and people who’ve lifted me along the way."
