Awaiting relief
This phase simulates one of the most challenging aspects of the refugee experience: waiting for aid with no certainty of when it will arrive or what form it will take. Participants gather together whilst still fasting, experiencing hunger, thirst, and uncertainty.
The waiting period
After returning from their physical trials, participants face perhaps the most difficult challenge: waiting to break their fast not knowing exactly when or with what. This mirrors the uncertainty refugees face regarding food, shelter, and basic necessities.
Creating authentic uncertainty
Organisers should:
- Not announce the exact time for iftar
- Keep the planned meal simple and limited
- Allow natural conversation and reflection to fill the waiting time
- Resist the urge to provide snacks or ease the discomfort
Managing the group during waiting
This period tests patience and creates opportunities for:
- Deep conversation about the day’s experiences
- Reflection on what hunger and thirst teach us about privilege
- Discussion of how uncertainty affects mental and emotional state
- Mutual support as energy levels drop and patience is tested
Reflection prompts during waiting
- How does not knowing when relief will come affect your mental state?
- What would it feel like if this uncertainty lasted weeks or months?
- How do we find patience and hope when basic needs aren’t guaranteed?
- What role does community support play during times of scarcity?
The modest iftar
When Maghrib time arrives, participants break their fast with deliberately simple provisions:
Initial breaking of fast
Each participant receives:
- One small glass of water
- One piece of stale bread or plain bun
- Two dates
This simplicity mirrors the meagre rations many refugees receive after long, arduous journeys.
Maghrib prayer
After breaking fast with these basic items, participants pray Maghrib together, reflecting on:
- Gratitude for even simple sustenance
- The resilience required to find hope despite scarcity
- The blessing of community during difficult times
The delayed main meal
Following prayer, participants continue waiting for the main meal, experiencing uncertainty about when it will arrive and what it will contain. When finally served, the meal consists of:
Option 1: Aid agency-style meal
- Plain rice or boiled lentils (small serving, minimal seasoning)
- Tinned beans or chickpeas (sometimes eaten directly from tins)
- Small portions of flatbread (2-3 pieces to share)
Option 2: Scrounged meal
- Boiled vegetables (potatoes, carrots, cabbage with little seasoning)
- Small handful of lentils or beans (basic, inexpensive, filling)
- Piece of bread or tortilla (possibly stale, made from basic ingredients)
Purpose of the modest meal
This approach helps participants:
- Experience how repetitive, bland food affects morale
- Understand the difference between eating for pleasure versus survival
- Appreciate the psychological impact of food insecurity
- Develop empathy for those whose meals depend on aid or charity
For detailed guidance on managing group dynamics and preparing modest meals, see the Problem Solving and Event Planning sections of the organiser guide.