Fondacio
In Malaysia
The beginning of Fondacio in Malaysia
Fondacio in Malaysia was started in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in the year 1981.
While on a holiday in France, the late first Archbishop of Kuala Lumpur Dominic Vendargon participated to a Weekend cycle of evangelization. Impressed by the ardent fervour of the young laypeople and so enthused by the love of Christ he invited them to come to Kuala Lumpur to meet his young people in his Archdiocese. In January 1981, seven young French missionaries upon his invitation came and conducted a weekend of evangelization entitled “Towards A New Life”.
It was conducted fully in the French language but translated simultaneously into English by Fr Peter Bretaudeau, a priest from the Foreign Mission of Paris based in Kuala Lumpur. So deeply moved by the strong love of God in these lay missionaries, more than twenty young Malaysians decided to journey with them soon after this Weekend. Henceforth Fondacio began to take root in Malaysia. Formation sessions, renewed involvement in their respective parishes and invitation to other youths from the other dioceses also attracted hundreds of youth and young working adults. All these gatherings and encounters through the working of the Holy Spirit had many hearts being touched and lives transformed. And today the story continues…
Local context in Malaysia
In 2021, Southeast Asia hosted approximately 300,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with Malaysia accommodating the highest number at about 200,000 according to UNHCR data. This figure likely underestimates the current situation, especially following the 2021 Myanmar military coup, which has exacerbated displacement. Malaysia, not a signatory to the 1951 Refugee Convention, denies refugees formal education, employment rights, and adequate healthcare access, effectively treating them as illegal immigrants. This leaves refugees vulnerable to harassment, arrest, deportation, and further risks fueled by negative media portrayals and local discrimination. Refugee policies in Malaysia are inconsistent and ad-hoc, influenced by directives from various ministries and the UNHCR. Despite these challenges, Young Lives Malaysia continues to champion refugee support, prioritizing social mobility and integration.
Our programs in Malaysia
Young Lives welcomes the marginalised of the nearby areas, offering them a free life skills training program, as well as a continuing support. Initially, the curriculum included a 3 to 4 months full-time session.
Contact Malaysian Team
- Archdiocesan Pastoral Centre, Level 3, 5 Jalan Robertson 50150 Kuala Lumpur
- +6012 323 8660
- younglives.kl@fondacio-asia.org