AIU–UNISA Bandung Collaboration Inspires Special Needs Students through Mentari Zine Project

ALOR SETAR, 1 October 2025 – The Albukhary International University (AIU) Library, in collaboration with Universitas Aisyiyah (UNISA) Bandung Library, organized the Mentari Zine Project X The NEED Project at Program Pendidikan Khas Integrasi (PPKI), Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) Kepala Batas, Alor Setar. The half-day program, held from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., engaged 13 students with special needs in creative and interactive activities.

The initiative is part of the Mentari Zine Project, a digital collaboration led by the UNISA Bandung Library, with international partners including the AIU Library, Universitas Negeri Jakarta Library, and Poltekkes Al-Islam Bandung Library. With the theme “Things That Make Me Smile”, the project invites children, librarians, and literacy ambassadors to share joy through drawings, writings, and reflective essays.

At SMK Kepala Batas, students from various PPKI classes joined ice-breaking games, a read-aloud session, and a drawing workshop, before proudly presenting their artwork. The AIU Library team facilitated the activities, encouraged participation, and worked with teachers to create an inclusive atmosphere.

This event also tied into The NEED Project, an AIU Social Business Design Lab initiative promoting literacy, creativity, and inclusivity through community engagement.

All artworks will be compiled into the Mentari Digital Zine, to be shared as an Open Educational Resource (OER), extending the students’ voices and creativity beyond the classroom.

This collaboration reflects the shared commitment of AIU Library and UNISA Bandung to fostering literacy, inclusivity, and cross-border partnerships, while empowering children and youth through creative expression.


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