Ramadan 1446 with Sarah

UNICEF Maldives follows the journey of Sarah and her family this Ramadan

Hussain Yameen Ali / UNICEF Maldives
Sarah and her mother hugging together with their Ramadan 1446 collage in the background.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari
07 April 2025

We joined Sarah and her family as they navigated the holy month of Ramadan, a month of spiritual and cultural significance for Maldivian families. As Sarah embarked on this journey, learn more about how she embraced the values of generosity and compassion during this holy month.

From spending quality time with her family to making healthy and sustainable choices for her wellbeing and practising self-care and kindness towards others, experience her journey throughout this period.

Greeting Ramadan

As Ramadan approaches, Sarah and her family gather for ‘maahefun,’ a Maldivian pre-Ramadan traditional feast. 

Sarah holding a toy and smiling at the camera.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty
Sarah and her family around the table, having 'maahefun.'
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty Sarah and her family gathers together for 'maahefun' - a pre-Ramadan feast with traditional food.

Embracing Religious Practices

On the first week of Ramadan, Sarah and her cousins come together to pray, recite Quran, and learn together. 

Sarah learning to write Arabic phrases.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty Sarah learns to write Arabic phrases with her siblings and cousins.

Roadha kurukurun!

Some of Sarah’s favorite Ramadan traditions is spending time with her parents, siblings and cousins, flying kites and going on cycle rides, popular 'roadha kurukurun' or Ramadan activities that promote quality time with parents and children during this special month.

A smiling Sarah and her mother flying a kite.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari A smiling Sarah and her mother flies a kite. Kite flying is a popular pastime activity enjoyed by adults and children doing Ramadan.

Acts of Kindness & Self-Care

Sarah and her siblings prioritize self-care and maintaining an active lifestyle while fasting. One of their favorite self-care activity is to color and do arts & crafts.

Sarah and her sibling exercising together.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty Sarah and her siblings exercise together to keep active during Ramadan.
Sarah and her siblings drawing and coloring.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty Another self-care activity is drawing and coloring together.

Sarah’s parents also encouraged them to learn about the importance of a caring community, teaching the siblings about kindness and the joy of helping others. 

Sarah handing out iftar food packs to passersby on the road.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Sarah donates iftar food packs to passersby on the road - a way of giving back to the community, especially during Ramadan.

Spreading Love & Reducing Waste

Sarah also went to the local market to buy some fruits and vegetables for a healthy iftar and she also gifted some to her kaafa (grandfather).

Sarah holding a watermelon at the local market.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Sarah buys some watermelons at the local market. Watermelons are a Ramadan staple in many households in the Maldives.
Sarah's grandfather taking a bell pepper from a reusable shopping bag and showing it to her.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Sarah gifts some fruits and vegetables to her grandfather.

At home Sarah and her siblings used the fruit and vegetable trimmings in the garden, learning about sustainable practices that help the environment.

Sarah and her sibling watering a plant.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Sarah and her siblings work in the garden, using leftover, organic food waste.

Eating Healthy & Togetherness

Sarah and her cousins made some healthy sandwiches for iftar together. Spending time with loved ones and doing activities together not only creates lasting memories but also teaches children the importance of family time.

Sarah making a healthy sandwich for iftar.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty Sarah makes a healthy sandwich for iftar time.
Sarah, her siblings and cousins reading together.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Refty Sarah, her siblings and cousins read and spend time together, strengthening family bonds.

Celebrating Eid 

As Sarah prepares for Eid, she reflects on the Ramadan she has just completed.

She, along with her siblings and cousins, get ready for Eid celebrations by trying on their new outfits, exchanging gifts, and decorating the house for the festive occasion.

Sarah pasting some decorations for Eid.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Sarah pastes Eid decorations on the wall with her father.
Sarah trying on her new outfit for Eid prayers.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari Sarah tries on her new outfit for Eid prayers, made by her mother.

As Sarah’s Ramadan journey comes to an end, we hope she will continue to practice the values that she learnt along the way. We hope you enjoyed learning from Sarah and her family and that her Ramadan story continue to inspire you throughout the year!

Sarah holding a card which says 'Eid Mubarak, with love, Sarah'.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari

UNICEF in Maldives works with children, young people, their families and partners to act and advocate for caring, inclusive and sustainable communities where every child can reach their full potential. 

Sarah and her family laughing and smiling.
UNICEF Maldives/2025/Shaari