J1232N Empowering the Poor & Needy in Malaysia
Malaysia, Southeast Asia
In partnership with Malaysian CARE
THE SITUATION
Malaysia is a Southeast Asian country located strategically between the Indian Ocean and the South China Sea, comprising Peninsular Malaysia and East Malaysia on Borneo island. Its geographical diversity includes tropical rainforests, mountains, and a long coastline, making it rich in biodiversity and natural resources like palm oil, rubber, and petroleum. Economically, Malaysia transitioned from an agricultural base to a diversified economy, with strong manufacturing, tourism, and services sectors. It is an upper-middle-income nation, though economic gaps between urban and rural areas remain a challenge.
Malaysian CARE was established in 1979 (registered with the Registrar of Societies) as a non-profit Christian social work organization. We are committed to serving the poor and needy irrespective of race, religion or ethnicity. We focus on empowering communities, aim for long term development and see ourselves as partners to the people we serve.
We provide integrated community development services and advocate with:
· The Rural & Urban Poor
· People with Special Needs
· Those Affected by Crime & Substance Abuse and HIV/AIDS
THE OBJECTIVE
Empowering Lives, Transforming Communities
We strive to reduce poverty, promote social inclusion, and empower communities in Malaysia by addressing economic inequality, supporting individuals with special needs, and fostering recovery and resilience among those affected by crime, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS. By addressing the root causes of poverty, stigma, and inequality, our programs foster long-term positive change, creating pathways for sustainable livelihoods and stronger communities.
1. Rural and Urban Poor Community Development
Our initiatives tackle poverty and inequality in both rural and urban settings. Rural communities often lack access to clean water, electricity, healthcare, and education, while the urban poor face challenges such as inadequate housing and unemployment.
Our projects empower these communities through skills training, income generation opportunities, and holistic development for children and youth.
Key Services:
- Agriculture Development: Ladang CARE, a 15-acre extension center for indigenous communities.
- Economic Development: Financial literacy, micro-finance, income generation projects, and job support.
- Children’s Development: Mobile resource centers, community engagement programs, and teachers’ training.
- Youth Development: Leadership programs, sports initiatives, and school-to-career transition programs.
2. Services for People with Special Needs
We aim to empower individuals with special needs by promoting inclusion, independence, and resilience. Our services include early intervention for children, employment programs like Bridge2Work, and family resources such as the Toy Library and parent support groups.
Through teacher and parent training, we address systemic barriers, reduce stigma, and foster opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.
Key Services:
- Children’s Services: Early intervention, inclusive education, and community support.
- Adult Services: Bridge2Work, job coaching, and advocacy.
- Family Support: Toy Library, referral services, and parent groups.
- Training: Advocacy and skill-building for parents and educators.
3. Prison, Drugs & HIV/AIDS Ministry
We provide comprehensive support for individuals affected by crime, substance abuse, and HIV/AIDS, promoting recovery, inclusion, and empowerment.
We focus on prevention, in-prison support, case management, and recovery. Reintegration efforts include aftercare services, peer support, and community programs. For youth, we emphasize prevention, life skills, and resilience-building to address stigma and reduce recidivism.
Key Services:
- Prison Ministry: Prevention programs, in-prison support, and community-based recovery.
- Community Services: Aftercare, peer groups, and HIV/AIDS support.
- Youth Programs: Awareness campaigns and resilience training.
More Info:
J1232N