QI Group executive chairman Datuk Seri Vijay Eswaran (centre, in batik) and wife (on his left, in red saree) Rythm Foundation chairman Datin Seri Umayal Eswaran with the children of Taarana School at the Annual Day held at Kalamandapam Hall in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur. Also present is Sunitha (in turquoise saree). — Bernama
TAARANA School, a centre for children with learning disabilities in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, has introduced its “Taarana Cafe” programme aimed at transforming students’ lives by providing basic employment training.
Principal Dr S. Sunitha said the programme offered hands-on experience in roles such as cashier, waiter and preparing drinks and sandwiches and equipped students with essential skills for future employment.
Launched in September, the initiative reflects the school’s commitment to creating brighter opportunities for both students and the wider community.
“We started this project because we have students aged 14 to 16, and since we can only support them until they turn 18, we asked ourselves, what happens after that?
“Through this initiative, we aim to give them practical training that will help them secure employment.
“There are several cafes in the Klang Valley run by people with disabilities and we hope our students can follow a similar path,” she told Bernama during the school’s Annual Day at the Kalamandapam Hall in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur.
A child displaying his skill during a performance at the Annual Day. — Bernama
In addition to the cafe programme, Sunitha said the school’s “Zero Waste” project, which focused on conservation and recycling, had seen success.
“This project showed that students not only became accustomed to the routine, but also became highly productive.
“Besides promoting environmental awareness, it also provided exposure to practical processes that could lead to job opportunities,” she added.
Founded in May 2011 by Rythm Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the QI Group of Companies, Taarana strives to unlock children’s potential to help them become active, contributing members of society.
The school promotes an inclusive educational environment that ensures equal access to quality education for children of all abilities.
