Serving in Malaysia
Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia, Malaysia is a captivating tapestry of cultural diversity, natural beauty, and modern innovation. From the bustling streets of Kuala Lumpur to the tranquil shores of Langkawi, Malaysia offers many experiences that are waiting to be discovered. With its rich heritage, vibrant festivals, and mouthwatering cuisine, this dynamic country entices travelers from around the globe. Whether exploring the lush rainforests of Borneo, immersing oneself in the colorful markets of Penang, or marveling at the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Malaysia never fails to enchant and inspire.
Amidst Malaysia’s rapid transformation and concerted efforts to embrace its rich heritage while navigating future challenges, Global Volunteers extends a warm invitation to the enchanting city of Johor Bahru. Here, we aim to support our host and community partners in achieving their ambitious development goals. Across the nation, the scarcity of teaching staff and resources poses significant hurdles to educational advancement, while poverty remains a palpable presence even within urban centers. Furthermore, individuals with disabilities often find themselves confronted with limited opportunities for education and employment, despite their determined efforts. In Malaysia, training for special needs professionals is rare, so the teachers don’t have the necessary knowledge to fully support their parents and their children with autism and Down syndrome, while salaries in Singapore are three times higher than in Johor Bahru, so it is difficult to recruit and retain staff. This results in a lack of qualified teachers. In this dynamic landscape, volunteers play a vital role in bridging these gaps, offering invaluable support and expertise to uplift communities and empower individuals to thrive amidst Malaysia’s ongoing journey of progress and transformation.
Our community partners have requested volunteers to:
- Embrace and befriend impoverished children by providing the nurturing care that every child deserves.
- Teach conversational English to children and teens to improve language skills and offer the students a global
perspective. - Make learning fun for orphaned children through reading games, skits, and music – there’s no limit!
- Help school students with numeracy and math comprehension, science, and geography.
- Care for and instruct young children through arts and crafts, storybooks, music, and games.
- Provide one-on-one attention to children with special education needs.
- Provide remedial lessons for students who struggle, offer additional explanation and practice through personal examples or experience
- Serve as a classroom resource for teachers of abandoned, abused, or orphaned students.
- Train teachers in pedagogy and special needs education, and create supportive classroom environments
- Conduct workshops for parents of autism and Down syndrome children.
Community Partner & Work Projects
The Soroptimist International (SI) Club of Bangsar, led by Nora Lam, a lawyer with a business practice, is Global Volunteers’ host in Malaysia. SI is a global network of women professionals dedicated to advancing human rights and women’s status through service projects. With consultative status at the United Nations, SI collaborates with various NGOs to advocate for positive social and economic changes, particularly benefiting women, children, and families. SI Bangsar is affiliated with Soroptimist International Southeast Asia and Pacific (SISEAP), part of a larger federation spanning 12 countries in the Asia Pacific Region.
Global Volunteers has been invited by five communities in Johor Bahur and surrounding areas.
- Rotarc Children’s Education Center: Global Volunteers has been invited to support 19 children aged 3 to 17 at a non-denominational Christian children’s home in Malaysia. Many of these children are orphans or come from single-parent families facing post-marital and financial challenges. Before enrollment, parents or guardians must demonstrate their inability to support the children. Due to the children’s specific needs, including learning disabilities, regular schooling is not sufficient. They attend the Rotarc Children’s Education Center’s school five days a week. Volunteers are needed to assist teachers in providing personalized attention, engage with preschoolers, and support older children with academic subjects such as English, math, science, and musical instruments.
- Indigenous community of KUALA MASAI – an Orang Asli village: Volunteers are needed in one of the indigenous fishing villages near JB called the “Sea Gypsies,” where families depend on sea-based livelihoods. Despite limited access to education beyond the primary level, the community leadership has requested assistance in teaching English, math, and science to children aged 5 to 15, initially focusing on the principal leader’s extended family. With encouragement from local leaders, such as Mary and William Ah Ho, who own a clam-catching business, the aim is to involve 10 children initially and gradually expand participation among families, despite early marriages and young parenthood prevalent in the community.
- Kiwanis Care Heart Centre: The Kiwanis Care Heart Centre, established in 2000 by parents of children with autism or Down syndrome, provides education, training, and services to support individuals with special needs, aiming to facilitate employment and lifelong learning while building inclusive communities. Global Volunteers has been invited to train staff in teaching techniques, conduct workshops for parents, and improve teachers’ professional knowledge, particularly those with backgrounds in special education, to help individuals with autism and Down syndrome reach their full potential and conduct workshops for parents with special needs children.
- Villa Paulos Welfare Home: Villa Paulos, a refuge for 17 exploited, abused, and orphaned children aged six to 18 in Johor Bahru, operated by the Catholic diocese, provides care for those referred by welfare departments and parish priests. Volunteers are sought to offer after-school assistance in English, math, science, and geography, engaging children in various activities like games, music, and sports. Additionally, volunteers are requested to provide homework help, aid in term paper writing, and contribute to the children’s personal growth. Despite its Catholic affiliation, the home accommodates children of all religious backgrounds, emphasizing Catholic catechism alongside regular studies.
- Sri Ara International Schools: Established in 2007, Sri Ara International School is committed to a holistic education for students from diverse backgrounds, emphasizing individual strengths while addressing weaknesses. With a multicultural, multireligious environment, the school accommodates local and international families, offering Malaysian and British-based curricula. Volunteers are sought to teach conversational English, provide a global perspective, and assist students with special needs, aiming to broaden horizons and support both students and teachers in their growth and development.
Service Program Logistics
Global Volunteers’ Malaysia Service Programs are led by staff and volunteer team leaders experienced in managing and engaging diverse groups of people. In cooperation with our community partners, your team leader will facilitate your team’s orientation, assist you in becoming fully engaged in the work project, and manage all logistical issues. Your team leader will introduce you to the community, help acclimate you to the local culture, invite you to community events, and engage you in the day-to-day life of the community.
Meals
In Malaysia, dining is not just a meal—it’s a sensory adventure that tantalizes the taste buds and celebrates the country’s rich culinary heritage. From bustling street markets to chic cafes and fine dining restaurants, Malaysia offers diverse gastronomic delights to satisfy every palate. Dive into the vibrant world of Malaysian cuisine, where bold flavors, aromatic spices, and fresh ingredients come together to create unforgettable dishes. Indulge in the iconic Nasi Lemak, a fragrant rice dish with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, and fragrant pandan-infused coconut milk. Sample the fiery delights of Penang’s famous Char Kway Teow, stir-fried noodles bursting with shrimp, cockles, and chili paste flavors. And don’t forget to cool off with a refreshing bowl of Cendol, a sweet concoction of shaved ice, coconut milk, palm sugar, and chewy green rice flour jelly. In Malaysia, every meal is a celebration of flavor and culture, inviting you to savor the tastes of this culinary paradise. Desserts, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages are readily available for an additional charge.
Volunteers have breakfast at the hotel that offers and extensive breakfast buffet, including Asian and Western cuisine. Lunches are either packed sandwiches or provided by the community partners. Dinners are in restaurants at or near the hotel.
Lodging
Volunteers are lodged in double-occupancy rooms in comfortable hotel rooms at Trove Hotel. All rooms have private baths, hot water, showers, air conditioning, 110 outlets, and television. The hotel is only a ten-minute ride from the Singapore border and features cafés, restaurants, and a fitness center. Standard lodging is double occupancy, but single rooms are available for an additional fee.
Transportation
All in-country transportation is included in your service program contribution. You’ll be transported to the Trove. Transportation to community project sites is by cars, buses, or vans. Some meeting points are within a short walking distance of the hotel. You’ll also be transported to the airport from the lodging on the last day of the program.
Note: transportation for free-time activities is not included.
Program Mobility
Accurately assess your functional mobility. Our work assignments and partner communities require varying levels of physical stamina and mobility. After you register, you will be asked about your physical capabilities relating to your mobility. Please answer the questions honestly.
Required Mobility for Malaysia: Mobile – Walk 1 mile, climb five flights of stairs, walk on uneven terrain, and get on and off buses and trains independently.
FREE-TIME ACTIVITIES
Malaysia offers many enjoyable free time opportunities, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to historic temples and modern skyscrapers. Malaysia was the fourteenth-most visited country in the world and the fourth-most visited country in Asia in 2019, with over 26.1 million visits pre-pandemic. There is a lot to do and see.
During your free time in Johor Bahru, wander along the charming streets of Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, where you’ll encounter traditional Chinese-style shophouses and colonial buildings, including the iconic Red House, now housing a Marrybrown fast food outlet. To glimpse royalty, visit Istana Bukit Serene, the majestic royal palace overlooking the Straits of Johor and offering panoramic views of Singapore. Animal lovers can enjoy a day at the Johor Zoo, one of Southeast Asia’s oldest zoos, where you can interact with over a hundred species, from gorillas to flamingoes. Discover the city’s spiritual side at the historic Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple, honoring five revered deities and boasting a striking red and white color scheme. Don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in café hopping along Jalan Dhoby and Jalan Tan Hiok Nee, savoring the city’s café culture. If you’re up for some adventure, venture to Legoland Malaysia Resort or take a day trip to Desaru Fruit Farm, where you can learn about agriculture practices, explore herbal gardens, and sample fresh fruits while enjoying the scenic countryside.
For weekend getaways from Johor Bahru, explore the historical city of Melaka (Malacca), where you can discover fascinating historical sites, indulge in delicious local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city’s rich heritage. Alternatively, venture across the Straits of Johor to Singapore, a bustling city-state offering many attractions. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Singapore Botanic Gardens, featuring the stunning National Orchid Garden. Dive into the vibrant culture of Chinatown, sample delectable street food at Chinatown Complex, and soak in the sights and sounds of Little India. For a day of excitement, head to Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios Singapore and other thrilling attractions.
Service Program Contribution
Global Volunteer’s service program contribution covers all lodging in double accommodations, three meals a day, in-country team transportation, emergency medical evacuation insurance, all preparatory materials, onsite orientation, a full-time team leader, and administration costs. Single rooms are available for an additional fee. The service program contribution is $2,697 for one week and $3,195 for two weeks. Please ask your volunteer coordinator about student, companion, group, and alumni discounts, as well as referral credits. Airfare and free time activities are your responsibility and are not included in the service program contribution. The service program contribution, airfare and visa expenses are tax-deductible for U.S. taxpayers. You may use Global Volunteer’s online fundraising tool to create a personalized webpage to request partially tax-deductible donations from family and friends to help cover your service program contribution.
2024 Malaysia Dates – 2 Weeks
Reserve your spot today!
September
October
November
Single Room Accommodations: The program contribution listed above covers double-occupancy accommodations; single accommodations are available in Malaysia at an additional cost of $630 for two weeks. These accommodations are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Call one of our volunteer coordinators at 800-487-1074 to register.
You CAN make a world of difference!