The QI Group has a very active philanthropic arm that works on various charitable initiatives around the world through its two foundations – RYTHM Foundation (RF) and its Malaysian Chapter, Vijayaratnam Foundation (VF).

A key area of focus for both these foundations is in the area of education and child development. One of the key initiatives in 2011 under Vijayaratnam Foundation has been the establishment of a school for children with learning disabilities in Malaysia.

Taarana, the school that caters to the requirements of children with special educational needs will open its doors to students in the upcoming academic year in March. The aim of Taarana is to provide a quality education facility for young children between the ages of 6 and 12 who face challenges with delayed development in academic, social and adaptive skills, also known as Mild Intellectual Disability (MID).

Taarana, in partnership with APSN (Association for Persons with Special Needs) Singapore will follow a special primary and secondary curriculum which is relevant and responsive to a constantly changing society and world. The curriculum will be divided into three main areas: Functional Academics, Life Skills and Aesthetics. Functional Academics will cover Literacy, Numeracy, Information Technology and Language. Life Skills will include Self-help, Social Competence, Social Emotional Learning, Family life, Moral Education and Sexuality Education. Aesthetics will consist of Physical Education, Swimming, Arts and Crafts, and Music and Movement.

The Foundation has recently set up a temporary centre for Taarana in Taman OUG, Kuala Lumpur and would like to develop it in the near future, into a fully equipped and purpose-built school to cater to a larger number of children up to the age of 16.

Vijayaratnam Foundation is conducting a series of fundraiser events in aid of the school that hopes to raise the funds necessary for this expansion. If you would like to know more about the school and the programs offered, please contact the Foundation at [email protected]