LMA School Holiday Program soars to new heights

The Lebanese Muslim Association has once again demonstrated its commitment to fostering community spirit and providing enriching experiences for young Muslims through its highly successful 2024/25 Summer school holiday programs.

These programs, conducted by the LMA’s head office and mosque at Lakemba, as well as its other masjids at Cabramatta and Young, have proven to be a highlight for literally thousands of participants over many, many years.

Catering to high school-aged Muslim brothers and sisters, the LMA offers a wide variety of activities that ensure fun, adventure and personal growth in a safe, inclusive environment. 

Activities in the most recent programs ranged from adrenaline-pumping experiences like the Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb, Go-Karting and Jet Boat Thunder to more more relaxed outings such as the Water Park at Jamberoo and creative sessions with Art and Games.

But beyond just fun, the programs also place a strong emphasis on instilling values of responsibility and respect. 

All groups are led by well-known community figures, who not only guide participants through these activities but also mentor them, ensuring they embody the best qualities of young Muslims: respect for one another, kindness and leadership.

This summer, the LMA was able to include young Palestinian community members in every activity run from its Lakemba operations free of charge, through the ‘Community Funding to Support Social Cohesion Initiatives’ distributed last year.. 

Salim Allouche, the LMA’s religious affairs administrator, expressed his delight at the success of the school holiday programs.

 “Once again, the school holiday programs were a huge success and having young Palestinian Australians participating in all of the events was truly amazing,” he said.

 “A special thanks to the Palestinian Australians Welfare Association for their partnership and invaluable help.”

Run over a six week period, the Summer school holiday initiatives were further supported by City of Canterbury-Bankstown Mayor Bilal El-Hayek, who heads the programs, and Mr Gandhi Sindyan from the Campsie Police Area Command. 

Both played crucial roles in ensuring the events ran smoothly, as did the many volunteers who generously gave their time. 

“The LMA is extremely grateful for the ongoing support from Mayor El-Hayek, Gandhi Sindyan, our other supporters as well as the volunteers who help make these programs possible every school holidays,” Mr Allouche continued.

“The sponsorship of Fettayleh Smallgoods and Human Appeal also contributed significantly to the success of our activities.”

“Their continued sponsorship and support every school holiday make all the difference, and we can’t thank them enough.”

“We also received great support during these school holidays from Jannah Express and Build Alpha Kids.”

Two key highlights of the 2024/25 program were the Boys and Girls Camps held in late December and mid-January, respectively. 

For the first time in many years, the Girls Camp took place at the Point Wollstonecraft facility on the beautiful Central Coast of New South Wales, providing an opportunity for young Muslim sisters to experience nature, build lasting friendships and grow in their faith.

As the LMA continues to create opportunities for young Muslims, the success of its school holiday programs highlights the Association’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, social cohesion and the personal development of our youth. 

With strong leadership, generous partnerships and the support of dedicated volunteers, the LMA ensures that these programs continue to be a highlight of the school holidays for young Muslims.

Each and every school break, these activities are eagerly anticipated by not only our youth but also their parents, who are mindful of the opportunities for fun, learning and community connection that their children will be afforded.