Ignite Durham Learning Foundation Launches Rahma Corner to Better Support Muslim Students and Families

The Ignite Durham Learning Foundation (IDLF) is proud to announce the official opening of Rahma Corner at its Make a Difference Depot, made possible through a meaningful partnership with Penny Appeal Canada. This dedicated space has been thoughtfully designed to enhance and serve Muslim students and families across the Durham Region by providing culturally relevant resources, including halal food and essential items that reflect their lived experiences.

Rooted in compassion, dignity and inclusion, The Rahma Corner represents an important step forward in ensuring that all students have equitable access to the support they need to thrive, both in and beyond the classroom.

Across the Durham Region, many families continue to face significant barriers. More than 25 per cent of residents are living without access to acceptable housing, while over 62,630 individuals, including children and youth, rely on food banks. At the same time, the region’s demographics are rapidly evolving. Recent data shows that approximately 20 per cent of students identify as Muslim, reflecting substantial growth and reinforcing the need for responsive, culturally affirming supports.

“The Rahma Corner is about more than access to food and resources; it is about belonging,” said Stacey Lepine-Fisher, Executive Director of IDLF. “By working alongside community partners, we are ensuring students and families feel seen, respected and supported in ways that honour their identities.”

Located in Oshawa, the Make a Difference Depot serves students and families across all 136 schools in the Durham District School Board. With Durham Region experiencing one of the highest population growth rates in Canada, the demand for inclusive and adaptable community supports continues to rise.

The Rahma Corner features an expanded nutrition station with halal food options, including fresh and non-perishable items such as halal meats, dairy, grains, spices and culturally familiar staples. The space also offers essential items such as modest clothing, prayer materials, books and educational resources that reflect Muslim identities and experiences.

The development of Rahma Corner was guided through meaningful consultation with the Muslim Educator Network of Durham (MEND) and local Muslim Student Associations (MSAs), ensuring the space is welcoming, relevant and community informed.

In addition to food supports, the initiative includes educational materials and signage to help staff and volunteers better understand and respect dietary and cultural needs. Regular distribution of halal hampers, including during the holy month of Ramadan, ensures families receive consistent and appropriate support year-round.

The impact of this initiative is already being felt. Rahma Corner is expected to directly support at least 100 students annually, with indirect benefits reaching more than 16,000 Muslim students and their families across the region. Beyond meeting immediate needs, the initiative fosters a stronger, more inclusive community where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

A local student recently shared: “This is a beautiful innovation… it makes me so happy to see that there are people trying to make us feel comfortable and at home. What you’re doing is amazing, taking education and turning it into action.”

Through partnerships like this, IDLF continues to remove barriers to education and wellbeing, ensuring students can focus on learning without the added stress of poverty or exclusion.

The Rahma Corner stands as a symbol of what is possible when community organizations come together with a shared vision of equity, inclusion, and hope for the future.

Join us in making a difference! Learn how to get involved at idlf.ca or contact us at ignite.foundation@ddsb.ca.