The Albukhary International University (AIU) Library, in collaboration with the Universitas Aisyiyah (UNISA) Bandung Library, successfully organized the Mentari Zine Project X The NEED Project at the Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI), Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kepala Batas, Alor Setar. The half-day programme, held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., brought together 13 students with special needs for a series of joyful, creative, and meaningful literacy-based activities.
This collaborative initiative marked another milestone in AIU’s ongoing community engagement efforts, combining The NEED Project’s focus on inclusivity and empowerment with UNISA Bandung’s international literacy campaign. Together, both institutions demonstrated how education and creativity can cross borders to nurture confidence, inspire imagination, and strengthen the culture of reading and self-expression among diverse learners.
A Global Collaboration for Local Impact
The Mentari Zine Project is a digital literacy initiative led by the UNISA Bandung Library, supported by a network of international partners including the AIU Library, Universitas Negeri Jakarta Library, and Poltekkes Al-Islam Bandung Library. With the uplifting theme, “Things That Make Me Smile,” the project invites children, librarians, educators, and literacy ambassadors from various countries to contribute original works — including drawings, reflective writings, and short essays — all centered around positivity, gratitude, and creativity.
For the SMK Kepala Batas chapter, the AIU Library team took the lead in bringing this global project to life at the local level. By integrating The NEED Project—an AIU Social Business Design Lab initiative that promotes literacy, creativity, and social inclusivity—the programme created a supportive and enjoyable environment for students with special needs to explore their ideas and express their feelings through art and storytelling.
An Inclusive Day of Learning and Joy
The programme began with a warm welcome and lively ice-breaking session, designed to help students feel comfortable and engaged. Guided by the AIU Library team, the students participated in read-aloud storytelling, interactive discussions, and drawing workshops inspired by the day’s theme. The activities encouraged students to think about the simple things that bring them happiness — from family and friends to nature, colors, and dreams.
Each student was given the opportunity to showcase their drawings at the end of the workshop, proudly sharing their artwork with teachers and facilitators. These small yet powerful moments of expression reflected the project’s deeper mission — to empower every child to find their voice, celebrate their individuality, and take pride in their creative potential.
Teachers from PPKI SMK Kepala Batas also played an integral role by supporting the students throughout the activities, helping to ensure that every participant was included and celebrated. The collaborative effort between educators and librarians demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in fostering inclusive education and holistic growth.
Extending Creativity Beyond Borders
All the artworks and written reflections produced during the event will be compiled into the Mentari Digital Zine, which will be made available as an Open Educational Resource (OER). This digital publication will showcase contributions not only from Malaysia but also from partner institutions across Indonesia and beyond.
By sharing these creative works globally, the project gives the participating students an international platform — allowing their ideas, emotions, and imagination to reach audiences far beyond their school community. This effort reinforces AIU’s belief that every learner, regardless of background or ability, deserves to have their voice heard.
Shared Vision for Inclusive Literacy
Speaking about the collaboration, representatives from both AIU and UNISA Bandung highlighted the significance of connecting educational institutions through community-centered initiatives. The AIU Library emphasized that The NEED Project is a long-term commitment to nurturing, empowering, educating, and developing students and communities through sustained partnerships.
Similarly, UNISA Bandung Library underscored the importance of leveraging creative media like zines to promote literacy and empathy while connecting diverse voices through a shared human experience.
Through this cross-border partnership, both institutions reaffirmed their joint dedication to advancing inclusive education, fostering creativity, and cultivating lifelong learning habits. The Mentari Zine Project is more than an artistic exercise — it is a platform of hope, a space for dialogue, and a bridge connecting young minds across cultures and abilities.
Empowering the Future through Creativity and Collaboration
The success of the Mentari Zine Project X The NEED Project reflects AIU Library’s evolving role as a Centre of Reference and Community Engagement. It continues to extend its impact beyond the university walls, reaching into local schools and communities to spark inspiration, promote literacy, and strengthen human connections.
By collaborating with UNISA Bandung and other global partners, the AIU Library is championing the idea that learning can happen anywhere — in classrooms, communities, and even within the pages of a child’s drawing. Each project, each story, and each smile represent a shared belief: that education is not just about acquiring knowledge, but also about sharing joy, building empathy, and creating change that lasts.
