Ashley Reed:
The classroom burst into color and laughter as young students at Elhaam Academy turned everyday materials into works of art—coffee filters became wings, pipe cleaners became antennas, and imagination took flight. The Arts & Crafts Club session for Grades K–3 was no ordinary afternoon of glue and glitter; it was an engaging celebration of creativity, care, and global connection.
Armed with markers and a big dose of excitement, students carefully layered and colored their coffee filters to create vibrant butterflies. Despite the potentially messy task, the children showed surprising discipline, placing folders under their projects to keep their workspace neat—proof that fun and responsibility can go hand in hand. The fluttering creations soon filled the room, a vivid display of youthful energy and imagination.
As United Nations Day approaches on October 24, the session also tied into a theme of global unity. The young artists joined a UN-themed photoshoot, proudly posing with UN posters and expressing their playful side with joyful poses and bright smiles. These lighthearted moments carried a deeper message—teaching children that creativity can be a bridge to understanding, empathy, and world citizenship.
To end the day on a personal note, each student wrote a heartfelt letter to their family, sealed it in an envelope, and prepared to surprise their loved ones at home. This touching gesture encouraged emotional expression, helping students put their thoughts and gratitude into words while reinforcing the importance of kindness and connection.
The activity was part of an ongoing collaboration between Elhaam Academy and Save the People USA’s “SDG Academy New York”, a project dedicated to promoting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through creative and educational engagement. By blending hands-on art with global awareness, the initiative inspires students to think not only as learners but as young changemakers.
What began as a simple arts-and-crafts day ended as a celebration of color, compassion, and creativity. Through butterflies, laughter, and letters, Elhaam Academy’s students learned that even the smallest acts—of imagination, care, or understanding—can make the world a more beautiful place.
