YLDC Malaysia: a sprouting seed

YLDC Malaysia aims to reach out to the local poor, migrants and refugees. The skills provided such as conversational English & Computer literacy will help them to finding jobs and have a livelihood to thrive in Kuala Lumpur. This includes for the betterment of their lives and that of their family and community. As important as developing skills in the youth, the program also desires to cultivate positive attitude and concern for others through the Professional Development & work ethics, social responsibility and values enhancement classes.  These means would add value in their surviving in their current situations, and also be a greater hope for a better future by becoming good examples and initiators of change.

Beginnings

YLDC Malaysia was launched last March 27, 2017 by Fondacio Malaysia with the presence of more than 40  students,  several volunteer teachers and its mission partners (Monsignor Leonard Lexson  of St. Johns’ Cathedral and Fr Bernard Hyacinth, S.J., Director of Archdiocesan Office for Human Development) after a “Weekend for the Laity”  that Fondacio conducted.

For the first batch, the program received 52 enthusiastic Myanmar students coming from different ethnic groups (such as Zo, Zomi, Chin & Kachin). The students age ranges from 15 up until mid 30’s. Not really surprising as per UNHCCR, the highest number of refugees comes from Myanmar. However, for the succeeding batches, we hope to also have locals, including those from the interiors of Sabah and Sarawak.

Due to the differing capacities and availability of the current students, YLDC Malaysia currently runs 4 classes here at the Community Center of St. John’s Cathedral from Monday to Friday which is planned to run for 12 weeks or 3 months. 2 classes are run in the morning (from 9am to 12 noon), and 2 classes in the evening (from 7pm to 10pm) one for beginners and one for intermediate.

For the moment, we have more than 15  volunteer teachers who shared their time and experience to help our students improve by giving a class and/or by helping in crafting the lesson plans and class materials. Some of them are retired teachers, while some are professionals coming from different fields who desires to help in this mission.

Future & Vision

As it is the first batch of YLDC here in St. John’s Cathedral, much challenges were present and continual processes for improvement were done to uplift and provide the best to our target group. For example, the program is continuously being reviewed and research is ongoing to identify ways on how to further support our students. Gradually more courses will be introduced such as Income Generating Project or IGP and other follow up programs will be introduced. Meanwhile, YLDC Malaysia hopes to expand and set up more centers in other places particularly in Sabah and Sarawak, in order to reach out to more youth who are in need.

Like the avocado seeds that each of our Mission partners have planted during the Launching, it needs other avocado trees to be able to bear fruit. We are deeply grateful for the partnership we have with St. Johns’ Cathedral and Archdiocesan Office on Human Development. So as with all the individuals who have decided to support & journey with us.

Together, by building and supporting the youth,

we can MAKE A DIFFERENCE!