Elhaam Academy in Jamaica became a central hub for community engagement on Saturday, April 12, hosting a trio of impactful events focused on family connection, self-defense education and literacy.
The day’s programming was organized in collaboration with local and citywide partners, including Save The People, Malikah, the Muslim Community Center (MCC), and New York City Council Member Nantasha Williams.
Located at 87-41 165th St., Elhaam Academy is a faith-based educational institution in Council District 27, serving families in Southeast Queens neighborhoods including Jamaica, Cambria Heights, Hollis, and St. Albans. The school frequently partners with grassroots organizations to support academic and social programming for students and their families.
The day began with Council Member Nantasha Williams officially opening a community Book Fair as part of the Malikah Event at Elhaam Academy. The fair featured a range of books for children, teens, and adults, with a focus on inclusive and diverse literature.
Activities included storytelling sessions, educational workshops, and family-friendly literacy programming. The event was presented in collaboration with Save The People, a nonprofit focused on humanitarian aid and educational support.
Elhaam Academy Principal Shahana Solid, Save The People Executive Director Mohammed Shahidullah, and Office Assistant Manager Fatima Niass also attended the opening.
Following the book fair opening, Malikah led a self-defense training workshop tailored for women and girls of all ages. The interactive session was facilitated by a certified Malikah instructor and focused on personal safety, confidence, and empowerment.
Council Member Williams, who represents Southeast Queens and serves on the City Council’s Women and Gender Equity Committee, spoke at the event and emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces and providing resources to underserved communities.
Malikah, a New York City-based grassroots organization, provides training in self-defense, healing justice, organizing, and financial literacy.
Also in attendance was Rubaiya Rahman of ASHO, who spoke about the group’s upcoming puppet-making workshop at King Manor Museum during Spring Break.
The day concluded with MCC Kids Family Night, hosted by Mohamed Bahe, founder of the Muslim Community Center (MCC), and powered by Save The People. The event brought dozens of families together for a festive evening featuring a pizza party, Islamic trivia, toy giveaways, candy, and large-scale games like Connect Four.
The event transformed the academy into a lively space focused on faith, family, and togetherness. The night was supported by Save The People, whose sponsorship helped provide toys, food, and supplies.
Throughout the day, Elhaam Academy demonstrated its ongoing commitment to education, safety, and social support. All the events were designed to engage the local community, provide practical resources, and foster a sense of belonging among families in Southeast Queens.
For more information about future programs, email info@elhaamacademy.org or follow @savethepeople.usa on Instagram and Facebook.
