Marrakech – During a festive occasion at the Oberoi hotel, the American School of Marrakech’s Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) extended a warm invitation to its community, encompassing students, teachers, and parents, to partake in an Iftar soiree.
The Oberoi Hotel, Marrakech
This event not only commemorated Ramadan but also paid homage to a tradition deeply rooted within Moroccan culture.
The president of the PTO, Priti Paul Kadiri, commenced the event with a welcoming address to esteemed guests, including board members, dignitaries from the Moroccan government, and representatives from the American embassy.
Priti Paul Kadiri giving her welcoming speech
“The fact that we are gathered here for Iftour, to break our fast as a community during the Holy Month of Ramadan, strongly bonded together, is a blessing. And I would like to firstly thank God for that,” said Kadiri.
In her speech, Kadiri conveyed appreciation for the warm and gracious community, expressing joy that children have the opportunity to thrive and learn in an environment defined by love, kindness, and safety.
Kadiri extended a warm welcome to special guest Marissa D. Scott-Toress, a distinguished career diplomat, storyteller, and the US Consul General to the Kingdom of Morocco.
US Consul General to the Kingdom of Morocco, Marissa D. Scott-Toress
The event provided an ideal opportunity to show the significance of the relationship between parents and teachers and the cornerstones of an inclusive education, which was highlighted by the US Consul General.
Consul General Scott-Toress began her speech with a warm “Ramadan Karim,” to the audience.
Marissa D. Scott-Toress presenting her speech at the Iftar soiree
Speaking from her own experience as a mother, she touched upon the importance of parental dedication to their children’s education.
Also drawing from her background as a former middle school teacher, she empathized with educators’ reliance on parental engagement to enrich students’ learning experiences fully.
During her speech, the Consul General mentioned principles such as bridging cultures, collaboration, and negotiation, stating that they are not confined to policy. Rather, she said, they are universal to mutual understanding.
“Let’s continue to build bridges, to collaborate intently, to trust implicitly, and to celebrate diversity,” stated Scott-Toress.
Transitioning from an Iftar soiree to a TED talk exploring the importance of the parent-teacher bond in education, the event catered to both gastronomic and intellectual appetites.
At the Oberoi hotel, the Iftar embodied the essence of Moroccan tradition.
Moroccans and individuals from diverse countries adorned themselves in traditional Moroccan attire, paying homage to both the spirit of Ramadan and the Iftar theme of the soiree.
US Consul General and guests adorned in traditional Moroccan attire
From savoring Moroccan delicacies to indulging in sweets, every attendee left gratified.
The lively music and energetic playlist enhanced the atmosphere, adding to the festivities.
However, what truly defined the experience as Moroccan was the strong bond shared among all attendees.
People from various nationalities, ages, and backgrounds came together as a unified community, transforming the event into an international family reunion amid the vibrant setting of the Oberoi in Marrakech.
