Taarana, an award-winning education centre located in Petaling Jaya and run by the Rythm foundation, tailored for students with special education needs, celebrated World Environmental Education Day 2026, with the launch of a pioneering workbook, “The Magic of Recycling”.
The students and teachers also engaged in sustainability initiatives, designed to instill the importance of the environment and create awareness on the need to preserve it.
This year’s celebration, highlighting the critical role of education in addressing environmental challenges, aims to encourage young neurodivergent students to become environmentally conscious and responsible, to be able to translate environmental concepts into everyday action.
Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran, principal of Taarana, said, “Our students learn best by participating in initiatives that give them the space to experience sustainability in a real and meaningful way, and to see for themselves, that their actions, however small, matter.
“These initiatives reflect Taarana’s commitment to holistic education, integrating environmental stewardship into learning experiences that promote responsibility, teamwork and real-world impact,” she said.
Taarana also celebrated the grand launch of their in-house workbook, “The Magic of Recycling”, authored by one of Taarana’s teacher‘s, Joanne Mathilda John. It’s initial soft launch took place during last year’s Annual Day.
Building on Taarana’s ZeroWaste Project, launched in August 2024, this interactive workbook combines colourful visuals, storytelling and hands-on activities to make complex environmental concepts simple, engaging, and accessible for neurodivergent youths.
The initiative, which began as a classroom-led effort, has evolved into a community-wide advocacy effort, encouraging sustainable habits among students, families and local partners in the community.
These novel approach aligns with Malaysia’s national policy for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and UNESCO’s Education for All Framework, helping to create more inclusive, equitable learning pathways for neurodivergent pupils.
These activities create an enriching experience as the students’ experience not only the impact of World Environment Day but also create a positive impact on the community.
I hope these initiatives will continue to be organised and expanded in the future,” said Nazri Mohamad, Assistant District Education Officer of the Special Education Unit (Learning Sector) at the Petaling Utama District Education Office, during the launch of Taarana’s World Environmental Education Day celebration.
Integrating Sustainability with Experiential Learning
Taarana also collaborated with Generasi Peduli Sampah (GPS), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to launch a series of sustainability initiatives, specifically adapted for its neurodivergent students. The activities ranging from e-waste collection, book and clothing donations, tree planting, are carefully designed, based on real-life engagement, to ensure these students can participate regardless of their needs.
By integrating the spirit of ‘gotong-royong’ (communal work) into the activities as a whole, the program also fosters a sense of cooperation, shared responsibility and community participation. These structured and repeated activities encourage neurodivergent students to transform these lessons into lasting, sustainable habits.
Beyond its environmental impact, the collaboration served as a powerful bridge between Taarana and the community, by highlighting that sustainability is an inclusive journey.
It also shone a spotlight on the power of collaboration and inclusion in promoting accessible, sustainable practices for the neurodivergent.
Taarana also celebrated the grand launch of their in-house workbook, “The Magic of Recycling”, authored by one of Taarana’s teacher‘s, Joanne Mathilda John.
Taarana, an award-winning education centre located in Petaling Jaya and run by the Rythm foundation, tailored for students with special education needs, celebrated World Environmental Education Day 2026, with the launch of a pioneering workbook, “The Magic of Recycling”.
The students and teachers also engaged in sustainability initiatives, designed to instill the importance of the environment and create awareness on the need to preserve it.
This year’s celebration, highlighting the critical role of education in addressing environmental challenges, aims to encourage young neurodivergent students to become environmentally conscious and responsible, to be able to translate environmental concepts into everyday action.
Dr Sunitha Sivakumaran, principal of Taarana, said, “Our students learn best by participating in initiatives that give them the space to experience sustainability in a real and meaningful way, and to see for themselves, that their actions, however small, matter.
“These initiatives reflect Taarana’s commitment to holistic education, integrating environmental stewardship into learning experiences that promote responsibility, teamwork and real-world impact,” she said.
Taarana also celebrated the grand launch of their in-house workbook, “The Magic of Recycling”, authored by one of Taarana’s teacher‘s, Joanne Mathilda John. It’s initial soft launch took place during last year’s Annual Day.
Building on Taarana’s ZeroWaste Project, launched in August 2024, this interactive workbook combines colourful visuals, storytelling and hands-on activities to make complex environmental concepts simple, engaging, and accessible for neurodivergent youths.
The initiative, which began as a classroom-led effort, has evolved into a community-wide advocacy effort, encouraging sustainable habits among students, families and local partners in the community.
These novel approach aligns with Malaysia’s national policy for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and UNESCO’s Education for All Framework, helping to create more inclusive, equitable learning pathways for neurodivergent pupils.
These activities create an enriching experience as the students’ experience not only the impact of World Environment Day but also create a positive impact on the community.
I hope these initiatives will continue to be organised and expanded in the future,” said Nazri Mohamad, Assistant District Education Officer of the Special Education Unit (Learning Sector) at the Petaling Utama District Education Office, during the launch of Taarana’s World Environmental Education Day celebration.
Integrating Sustainability with Experiential Learning
Taarana also collaborated with Generasi Peduli Sampah (GPS), a non-governmental organisation (NGO) to launch a series of sustainability initiatives, specifically adapted for its neurodivergent students. The activities ranging from e-waste collection, book and clothing donations, tree planting, are carefully designed, based on real-life engagement, to ensure these students can participate regardless of their needs.
By integrating the spirit of ‘gotong-royong’ (communal work) into the activities as a whole, the program also fosters a sense of cooperation, shared responsibility and community participation. These structured and repeated activities encourage neurodivergent students to transform these lessons into lasting, sustainable habits.
Beyond its environmental impact, the collaboration served as a powerful bridge between Taarana and the community, by highlighting that sustainability is an inclusive journey.
It also shone a spotlight on the power of collaboration and inclusion in promoting accessible, sustainable practices for the neurodivergent.
