The Washington West African Community Center (WAWAC) recently held its 6th Annual Grandma Sukuri Ndogu event in Lynnwood. This warm gathering aimed to support senior women from West Africa by distributing bags of groceries, perfect for breaking the fast during Ramadan. Around 20 women attended initially, with the expectation of 107 throughout the afternoon.
According to Volunteer Coordinator Zainab Jibril, the bags included a variety of food items: fresh cabbage, root vegetables, coconut milk, Halal lamb, chicken drumsticks, and even salmon filets. It’s a thoughtful way to provide not just food but also a sense of community.
Attendee Nogoi Cessay expressed her gratitude for the event. She appreciated not only the food but also the joy of gathering with others. “It feels good to come here,” she said, emphasizing the connection it fosters.
WAWAC Executive Director Pa Ousman Joof explained that “sukuri ndogu” translates to “sugar fast breaking” in Wolof, a widely spoken language in West Africa. He noted that sweets are often part of fast-breaking meals during Ramadan, which is a month where Muslims focus on spirituality, abstaining from food and drink from sunrise to sunset.
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from various pleasures, promoting reflection and empathy for those less fortunate. Joof emphasizes this experience, stating it helps people understand hunger and foster generosity. Sharing what one has is a guiding principle during this holy month.
Cessay added that respecting elders is a crucial cultural value. “Elders are at the top of the hierarchy in the community. So if anyone is older than you, even if it’s a minute, you have to give them that respect.”
WAWAC’s efforts also include helping seniors connect with the younger generation. Their after-school program encourages children to interact with the elders, learning invaluable life lessons.
Ramadan is a time of community. WAWAC serves around 400 meals each year, often at the Abubakr Islamic Center in Everett. This year, due to limited resources, they adapted by hosting meals in Lynnwood.
Events like these are not just about food; they are about bringing people together. They highlight the importance of community and the respect for tradition, fostering connections that enrich everyone involved.
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