A case of discrimination?

Nov 23, 2012 Letters

Dear Editor,
ON November 15, 2012, Muslim celebrates their New Year and many people are not aware of that. When I Google Islamic New Year I found a few links and I look through a few and one of the link state the following “Muslim world marks the start of Amon Jadid or Islamic New Year on the first day of Muharram, the first month of Hijrah, the Islamic lunar calendar, on November 15, 2012. Hijrah refers to the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina, where they set up the first Islamic state.
Amon Jadid may not be as festive as other Muslim holidays such as the Eidl’ Fitr and Eidl’ Adha, but it is greeted with great hope and optimism. The celebration is simple and sober, marked by activities such as greetings of peace, prayers, and reflection. Muslims pay homage to Prophet Muhammad by reading books about his life and works, recalling his Islamic teachings of moderation, religious tolerance, and love for peace, and retelling his migration, through the Qur’an. They review the past year, examine their personal life and relations with family and friends. It is an occasion to reconcile differences with fellow Muslims.” (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/381436/islamic-new-year-celebration-today#.UKYBiIbUYbE)
Mr. Editor, we are living in a multicultural society and I must admit I am always interested admire whatever the efforts the various religions try to upkeep their traditions.
There is a lot to be learning and schools help a lot but they will not teach you everything.
Yesterday, I went to collect my daughter from Zeelugt Primary School at lunch time (I was late) and she was not in her class. I was directed to visit a classroom upstairs (Grade six B) by one of the many parents I see whenever I go there.
Upon entering the doorway I saw a lot of children, some of them wearing Muslim clothing all sitting and eating food and drinks in the class while the majority of the children in the compound playing. Right away I became concerned and enquired from one of the parents wht was happening.
The parent said that because of the Muslim New Year the Muslim children attending the school are giving a treat. Right away I got angry and started to ask questions. In the process Ilearnt the following:
A)    The head teacher had asked some Muslim parents to donate food, drinks, cakes or whatever they could to fete the Muslim children of the Zeelugt Primary School for the Islamic New Year.
B)    She tried to get a half day for the school so that the non-Muslim children will go home and the Muslim children will be treated.
C)    Children are asked to wear their Muslim clothes for the afternoon session (some under the belief that is only way for them to be treated) and I saw that a few did just that (more than one feeding sessions).
Mr. Editor, when it’s a Hindu holiday almost all the children from any school take part in celebrating. It is the same when it’s a Christian or Muslim holiday. My five-year-old daughter could not understand why they were only treating some children and not all of the children in the school.
These are primary school children and one would not have to assume what the children would think of those that get feted or what they will say to them when they go to play. I reported what I experienced to a few people (some of them are Muslims) and they all expressed disgust at what took place.
I would like to know if the Ministry of Education is aware of this and why it would allow it.
Look at where we are today in Guyana (culturally and racially). I would have expected better from a head teacher (my opinion is that she is discriminating). She seems to be sowing the seed of bitterness.
I am asking that the head teacher write an apology to all the parents. Instead of bridging the gap she is widening it.
I would have been happy if all of the children of the school were educated of the Islamic New Year and how that comes about.
Sahadeo Bates

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