QNET Supports Malaysia-UAE Special Needs Students Cultural Exchange Programme

 

The “Rashid Stars,” who are students of the Rashid Paediatric Centre in Dubai, put up a special musical performance recently together with the children of Taarana, a special learning needs school run by the Vijayaratnam Foundation in conjunction with the students’ week-long visit to Malaysia.

The performances by the students at the Taarana school in Taman Overseas Union Garden here was indeed energetic, heart-warming and a first of its kind entirely by youths with special needs.

The week-long visit by the UAE delegation to Malaysia was supported by QNET, a prominent Asian direct selling company.

For the past week, the troupe of young performers had the time of their lives on a cultural exchange programme in Kuala Lampur which included sessions with Taarana children on traditional Malaysian dances, a Dikir Barat presentation and an art and colouring session. This was followed by Rashid Centre’s students performing their traditional UAE dance numbers.

“We are confident their stint here at Taarana would serve as an inspiration and motivation for the children of Taarana to be the 'Taarana Stars' of the future. It was a quality experience for the children and the youths, coming together in the spirit of international friendship.

“We hope our friendship agreement with Rashid Centre will help raise awareness of the potential of children with special needs. This initiative will undoubtedly provide the children with an opportunity to experience a new culture, a new place and meet new people,” said Datin Sri Umayal Eswaran, the Chairperson of Vijayaratnam Foundation.

Meanwhile, QNET Executive Chairperson, Ms Donna Imson said the company’s regional headquarters in the UAE had signed a friendship agreement last year with Rashid Centre to provide assistance in various ways.

“QNET has always had a soft-spot for children with special needs. We want to support them and help nurture their natural talents and creativity. We brought Rashid Stars here for a one-of-a kind discovery of Malaysia, especially to interact with their counterparts at Taarana.

The QNET-Rashid Centre collaboration is a special student exchange programme that is in line with QNET’s 'Touching a Billion Hearts' campaign which is dedicated to educating, inspiring and working with others to create a brighter future for those in need,” noted Ms Donna.

About Taarana School

Taarana School was established by the Vijayaratnam Foundation in 2011 to cater to children with special learning needs. It aims to provide quality educational facilities for those aged between three and fifteen who are suffering from delayed development in academic, social and adaptive skills, also known as Mild Intellectual Disability (MID). To learn more about Taraana School, please visit https://www.taarana.org.my.