The PEEAM EduAwards 2024 recognises the school’s dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for neurodivergent children.
KUALA LUMPUR, July 11, 2024 — Taarana School, a centre providing education and therapy for children with cognitive and sensory challenges, has been recognised as the ‘Best Special Education Centre of the Year.’ This award celebrates Taarana’s unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and nurturing learning environment for students to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.
Taarana received the award from the Private Educational Entrepreneur Association of Malaysia (PEEAM) during the PEEAM EduAwards 2024, an event that honours education innovators for their exceptional contributions. The awards took place at the end of June alongside the International Education Symposium (IES 2024) and Private Education Carnival (KPS 2024).
The school initially qualified in the ‘Best Education’ category before being recognised as the ‘Elite Winner’ — the top distinction — for its steadfast dedication to excellence and exceptional standards in special education. Taarana was established in 2011 by RYTHM Foundation, the social impact initiative of the global conglomerate QI Group.
Taarana’s Principal Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran, expressing her gratitude for the award, stated, “We are deeply honoured to receive this award, as it underscores our ongoing mission to deliver inclusive and transformative education of the highest quality.”
The achievement was also celebrated for its broader significance, acknowledging the students’ progress, the dedication of educators and staff, and the strong support from parents.
Santhi Periasamy, the Head of RYTHM Foundation, said the award is a testament to the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to advancing special education.
“This award is a significant achievement for Taarana and RYTHM Foundation, reaffirming our dedication to enabling every child to flourish and reach their full potential. We are committed to making a meaningful impact in special education in Malaysia,” Santhi said.
Taarana specialises in providing quality education and resources for children with special learning needs. Its overarching goal is to unlock each child’s potential through structured academic and therapy programmes, enabling them to become active and contributing members of their communities.
The school’s teachers and therapists collaborate closely with parents to develop personalised education and therapy plans highlighting each child’s abilities. Beyond academic achievement, the school is cherished as a secure, inclusive, and nurturing environment for both children and their families.
About RYTHM Foundation
With a name based on the acronym for “Raise Yourself to Help Mankind,” RYTHM Foundation’s impactful initiatives at home and abroad empower individuals, create opportunities for growth and progress, and foster sustainable and inclusive development.
In Malaysia, the Foundation’s flagship initiatives include the Taarana School, which helps address the dire need for resources and support for children with learning disabilities and their families. Another is the Maharani Programme, comprising the Maharani Schools Programme (MSP) and Maharani Learning Lab (MLL) for adolescent girls.
The MSP promotes self-discovery and personal development and has been implemented in five Selangor schools in collaboration with PINTAR Foundation. The MLL extends to providing girls with a dedicated space for innovative and interactive learning experiences.
RYTHM Foundation has also adopted indigenous communities to identify their challenges and meet their needs while empowering them within their environment. The Foundation manages two ongoing Community Adoption Programmes in Sabah and Pahang, with plans to adopt another community in a third state soon.
RYTHM Foundation’s initiatives align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), creating considerable strides in ensuring Education for All (SDG 4), encouraging Gender Equality (SDG 5), safeguarding Clean Water and Sanitation (SDG 6), providing access to Affordable and Clean Energy (SDG7), promoting Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), helping Reduce Inequalities (SDG 10), and strengthening Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17).
In addition to Malaysia and the Sub-Saharan Africa region, RYTHM Foundation works with grassroots organisations in underserved communities in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal on projects that support education, women and youth empowerment, and environmental preservation.
The Foundation has collaborated with over 135 partners since 2009 to execute over 75 transformative projects benefiting 80,000 people globally. For more information, please visit www.rythmfoundation.org
