From left: TCSA President Riya Jaykar, Associate Vice-President of Students Lawrence Lam, TMSA President Mustafa Amin, Islamic Centre of Markham President Najmul Siddiqui, Islamic Centre of Markham Imam Sheik Shoaib Wardak, and past Trent University Board of Governors Chair Armand Labarge.
Thanks to the collective efforts of students, staff, and community partners, a new resource enriching Trent campus life has been added to the Symons Campus.
Trent's first ablution station has been installed in the Student Centre Event Space, providing a comfortable and accessible place for individuals to perform the necessary wudu cleansing ritual before prayer. This location was contributed by the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) as it is where Jummah (group) prayers are held.
"The ablution station is more than just a physical space," said Lawrence Lam, associate-vice president of Students within the Office of Student Affairs at Trent. "It's a symbol of the values we uphold and reflects our commitment to inclusivity and respect for the various needs of our students, staff, and faculty."
A joint initiative between Spiritual Affairs/Office of Student Affairs and the Trent Muslim Student Association (TMSA), the project also received critical support from the TCSA, and External Relations. The TCSA covered the cost of the unit, while Armand Labarge, former chair of Trent's Board of Governors, secured vital donations from his network within the Muslim community. Contributions from the Islamic Centre of Markham, Neil Syed of PhoneTek, and the Canadian Society of Peace and Relief were instrumental in bringing the project to completion.
"This facility is a welcome addition," said Mustafa Amin, president of the TMSA. "No student should have to choose between their religious obligations and their studies."
The new station underscores the power of community collaboration, paving the way for continued efforts to make Trent a welcoming environment where all students can thrive.
"This project embodies our values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility by ensuring students of all faiths have the support they need to practice their religion comfortably and confidently," said Riya Jaykar, president of the TCSA. "I feel proud to say that the impact of this station will be felt immediately by Muslim students, and it delivers a broader message to the entire campus community that all of us are welcome here."
