Our children of Taarana had a fun-filled day on Saturday, 22 September 2012, when they participated in ‘A Silent Walk in the Night’ for the second time. The event was launched last year by a team of volunteers who strived to make a difference working together with Dignity and Services, acting on behalf and alongside persons with learning disabilities. The programme aims to bring together people from all lifestyles, hand in hand to raise awareness and show support for persons with learning disabilities.

The event was held from 3pm-9pm at Taman Jaya, Petaling Jaya. It was an informal evening with a series of entertaining activities such as music, craft, games and food, educational and information booths. The sole purpose of the event was to help integrate persons with learning disabilities into the community. 11 staff from Taarana participated and contributed their best in making this event a success.

During the event, the school had a booth manned by staff who were distributing leaflets and entertaining enquiries about our programmes. Apart from that, our students and teachers made “handprint” fans, which were given out as mementos to those who came. Taarana’s Occupational Therapist, Ms. Nur Hidayah also did a brief assessment on all the children who accompanied their parents to visit our booth.

Taman Jaya rang out with laughter as our students and other children there enjoyed the many games and activities organised by Dignity and Services. Our sports teachers also did not miss the chance to participate and join in the fun. Everyone took part in a game where they had to make the longest line by using whatever they had on their bodies. The Taarana team turned out to be the most creative as they even used their shoelaces and belts to make their line as long as possible. Their determination eventually won them the first prize!

The highlight of the event was the candlelit silent walk around Taman Jaya Lake, which started around 7.30 p.m. The walk saw participants carrying everything from candles to torches, as they contemplated and reflected on the lives, challenges and achievements of children with learning issues. Overall, the event turned out to be a meaningful and joyful one.