Empowering Special Needs Learners Through Inclusive STEM Workshops
In an effort to champion inclusive education and spark a love for science among children with special needs, Leave a Nest Malaysia, in collaboration with Cemerlang Cendana Education Centre and proud partners Tenaga Alam Sekitar Kita (TEASK), Yayasan MR.DIY, and MILO, has launched a groundbreaking Science Workshop tailored specifically for special needs learners.
The first of three planned workshops, focusing on Chemistry, took place on 25 June 2025, at Cemerlang Cendana, a specialized institution located in Prima Saujana, Kajang. With upcoming workshops in Engineering and Biology scheduled for September and November respectively, the initiative marks a significant step toward bridging the STEM education gap for special needs communities in Malaysia.
Science for All: A Hands-On, Inclusive Experience
Recognizing the limited access to specialized STEM learning for children with autism and other developmental differences, Leave a Nest developed a structured, sensory-friendly curriculum emphasizing exploration, curiosity, and engagement.
In the Chemistry Workshop, students participated in three carefully designed experiments:
- Ice Cream Making: Introduced children to states of matter using a salt-and-ice cooling method, enhancing sensory engagement and fine motor skills.
- The Colors of Nature: Allowed children to create natural pigments from beetroot, turmeric, dragon fruit, and butterfly pea flowers—stimulating creativity and introducing basic chemistry through multisensory exploration.
- Slime Time: A crowd favorite, this activity used cornflour and water to demonstrate non-Newtonian fluid behavior, offering both tactile stimulation and scientific inquiry.
Each activity was led by Teaching Managers including Dr. Izwan Zainol, Dr. Hadi Akhbar, and Khalid Khalil, under the coordination of Project Leader Mahirah Basri.
Powered by Purposeful Partnerships
The success of this program was made possible through the support of dedicated partners: Tenaga Alam Sekitar Kita (TEASK), whose commitment to environmental awareness aligns closely with the workshop's nature-based learning themes; Yayasan MR.DIY, which has long been a champion of educational and community upliftment initiatives; and MILO, whose continued support for educational initiatives is deeply appreciated as we expand this programme
Join the Movement: Partners Welcome
Leave a Nest Malaysia warmly invites like-minded organisations, corporations, and individuals to come on board in supporting upcoming workshops. Future partners will play a pivotal role in empowering children with diverse learning needs through inclusive science education.
Looking Ahead
The initiative will continue with the Engineering Workshop in September, followed by Biology in November. A final Award Ceremony is planned for December 2025 to celebrate student participation and achievements.
With continued support from its partners and the educational community, Leave a Nest hopes this model will inspire similar programs nationwide, fostering a future where every child—regardless of ability—can explore the wonders of science.