PETALING JAYA, 4 June 2024 — The Maharani Learning Lab (MLL), a unique learning and development space by RYTHM Foundation for adolescent girls from marginalised communities, recently hosted two impactful events aimed at supporting its students and integrating with the Damansara Damai community.
On May 31, MLL organised a Career Development Day for girls aged 15 to 17 to explore various career options aligned with their skill sets. Following this, on June 1, a charity bazaar was held to foster community spirit and collaboration while raising funds for MLL.
During the Career Day, representatives from the QI Group, Quest International University, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, and the National Higher Education Fund Corporation (PTPTN) provided valuable insights and guidance to the students.
The charity bazaar featured pre-loved items, clothing, and food donated by QI Group employees, students, and local residents. It served as a platform to strengthen community ties and encourage collaboration.
Santhi Periasamy, Head of RYTHM Foundation, emphasised the Foundation’s commitment to the Damansara Damai community: “Our dedication goes beyond providing resources; it is about fostering empowerment and building a supportive environment where everyone can thrive. We believe in the power of education, collaboration, and community engagement to drive positive transformation and create a brighter future for all.”
The events had a profound impact on both students and community members, achieving more than their immediate objectives.
Nur Saidatul Husna Mohd Shakri, an MLL student, shared her experience: “The Career Day clarified my post-secondary education options, while the bazaar taught me about responsibility and financial independence.”
Bazaar vendor Nurul Huda Mohd Gapar praised the event for its community engagement: “Seeing many community members support the bazaar and the students was heartening. I hope we can have more events like this to keep building our cooperative spirit.”
Flagship Maharani Initiatives
Located at The Zizz in Damansara Damai, the MLL offers coaching in secondary-level Bahasa Malaysia, English, Science, and Mathematics. The digital training covers programmes like Canva, Microsoft Office, and coding, while the personal development initiatives focus on enhancing self-awareness, confidence, communication, and leadership skills.
This initiative is part of RYTHM Foundation’s flagship Maharani programme, complementing the Education Ministry-endorsed Maharani School Programme (MSP). Developed in partnership with
PINTAR Foundation, MSP currently supports girls in 10 secondary schools across Selangor and Negeri Sembilan.
Since 2010, the Maharani programme has empowered over 8,000 girls aged 13 to 16, fostering experiential learning and equipping them with essential skills and knowledge to realise their full potential. The MSP and MLL initiatives represent significant strides in providing crucial resources and support to girls and young women. These initiatives align perfectly with the Foundation’s year-long #RiseWithRYTHM campaign, which emphasises education as a key driver of positive change.
About RYTHM Foundation
RYTHM Foundation, the heart of the QI Group’s social impact, champions Education, Empowerment, and Environmental Sustainability. An acronym for “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind,” RYTHM embodies the QI Group’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Since 2005, RYTHM Foundation has reached over 80,000 individuals across more than 20 countries, partnering with over 115 organisations to launch more than 50 sustainable projects. Our initiatives, particularly in education, women’s empowerment, and inclusive support for youth and individuals with disabilities, have garnered international recognition, including prestigious awards in India, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Ghana. Discover more about our impact at www.rythmfoundation.org
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