Muslim Resident Transforms New York Bodega into a Hub for Motivating High-Achieving Students

Wail Alselwi, owner of Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island, New York, has turned his store into an educational appreciation space for local kids. This Yemeni immigrant gives out rewards based on academic performance, like cash and free stuff, to motivate students. The structured program kicked off in 2023, with prizes up to 100 bucks for grades above 90 percent, plus recognition for improvement and perfect attendance. It all started because Alselwi missed his own children back in Yemen, and now it's become a viral movement that's inspiring others. Public support has poured in through fundraising, pulling in nearly 50,000 dollars. Alselwi stresses that recognizing the kids' hard work is the heart of the program, not just the material stuff. This little store has become an alternative social space that boosts learning motivation where informal education access is limited. https://mozaik.inilah.com/ibrah/saat-warga-muslim-ubah-bodega-new-york-jadi-pusat-motivasi-siswa-berprestasi