The state school in Melilla, one of Spain’s two north African enclaves, is almost exclusively attended by Muslim pupils.
But as Ramadan got underway last week, the headteacher of Juan Caro primary school sent home an advisory letter.
"Observing Ramadan could provoke episodes of lightheadedness, migraines and sunstroke as a result of dehydration or lack of sustenance," warned the letter penned by Alfonso García Zafra.
His letter was accompanied by a missive from the Islamic studies teacher which pointed out that “students who have not reached puberty – and all who study here are under 12 – are exempt from fasting under Islamic teaching".
"So I advise - and am supported by the Islam teacher - that parents follow this recommendation because of the host of activities planned until the end of term, and because of the heat." [The Local] Read more
