International students visiting Kenya have experienced the spirit of Ramadan in Mombasa after joining residents for a community street Iftar that highlighted the coastal city’s culture of unity and hospitality.
The visitors, students from Shenandoah University in the United States, attended the community gathering at Mapembeni as part of their Global Citizenship programme, which exposes participants to different cultures around the world.
The Iftar event, organised by Swahilipot Hub Foundation, brought together residents, religious leaders, youth volunteers and visitors to share meals and celebrate the values of Ramadan.
According to Albert Mwamburi, who works with the Jumuiya ya Kaunti za Pwani, the students had been touring different parts of Kenya before arriving in Mombasa, where they were introduced to the Swahili culture and Islamic traditions.
“They have been in Kenya for about a week visiting Nairobi, Taita and Diani, and now they are in Mombasa where they are learning more about our culture and the experience of Ramadan,” he said.
Mwamburi said many of the students were witnessing a Ramadan Iftar for the first time and were impressed by the sense of unity displayed during the gathering.
“Most of them are not Muslims, so this is a completely new experience for them. They were surprised to see Christian clergy and Muslim leaders sitting side by side breaking the fast together,” he said.
He added that the students described the experience as one they would not easily forget.
“They told us it is something they have never witnessed before, a gathering where people from different religions come together in such a strong show of unity,” Mwamburi said.
One of the students, Carter Sand, said participating in the event had given them a deeper understanding of the local culture and community life in Mombasa.
“It’s very important for us to learn about cultures and people who are different from us,” he said.
“At the end of the day we realise that we are much more similar than we think.”
Sand said taking part in the Iftar had been a memorable experience and a highlight of their visit to Kenya.
“We’re grateful to the community of Mombasa for welcoming us and allowing us to be part of this celebration. It’s something we will always remember,” he said.
Organisers of the event said the presence of international visitors demonstrated how community initiatives can also serve as platforms for cultural exchange while strengthening ties between local communities and global audiences.
Rukia Janwala, Head of Communications and Partner Relations at the Swahilipot Foundation, said the initiative had grown beyond a local community gathering.
“What started as a community initiative has also become a cultural experience for visitors. People from different parts of the world are now joining us to share food, learn about our traditions and experience the spirit of community in Mombasa.”
