Volunteering in Kuala Lumpur

Today’s guestpost is by V. Brewood and she talks about a subject close to her heart, volunteering while backpacking around the world.

Moving around constantly when you’re backpacking can be fun, but sometimes it’s nice to slow down a bit, unpack your bag and put down some roots. Using the spare time you have to do some volunteering can be a tremendously rewarding experience, allowing you to give to the community in which you’re staying. Volunteering not only helps others, it is also a great way to meet new people and experience a different side of the country you are traveling to. You may pick up little bits of the language and you’ll get to understand the social, political and economic obstacles that country faces. Volunteering enables you to become more involved with the community and also gives you some valuable work experience. Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia has many volunteering opportunities working with people who need your help, or if you prefer the company of animals, there are plenty of chances to help with the conservation of wildlife. Here is a list of the ways you can do volunteering in Kuala Lumpur:

1. Nur Salam, Chow Kit

photo credit shutterasia

Nur Salam is a 24-hour drop-in and crisis centre for kids in the low-income Chow Kit neighbourhood who need a safe place to go. The area is notorious for sex work, drugs and crime, as well as housing a large number of immigrants. The drop-in centre provides a place where children from this neighbourhood can get food and shelter, as well as participate in education and recreational programmes. Volunteering at Nur Salam, you might take the children on outings to local attractions or help them to learn computer skills. By giving your time to Nur Salam, you’ll help children to grow into healthy, happy adults with a much brighter future ahead of them.

Add:
24B & C, Jalan Chow Kit, Kuala Lumpur
Wilayah Persekutuan, 50350
Tel No: 03-4045 4021
Fax: 03-4045 4031
Raja Azizan: 017-300 9055

2. Kasih Hospice

Kasih Hospice gives free medical, emotional and spiritual support for patients with advanced cancers and terminal illnesses. As a volunteer at Kasih Hospice, you’ll undergo a basic hospice volunteer training course before starting work. If you choose to become a hospice volunteer you will offer assistance to patients by being their friend. You will chat with them, perhaps offer to give them a massage or a haircut, and provide emotional support for parents and relatives. Alternatively you could become an administrative volunteer who is responsible for paperwork, or become part of the fund raising committee. Aspects of volunteering at Kasih Hospice include hospital visits, home visits, respite care, bereavement support and assisting in community education as well as fund raising events.

Add:
Kasih Hospice Care 7, Jalan 14/29,
46100, Petaling Jaya, Selangor DE Tel: (3) 7960 7424
E-mail: admin@kasih-hospice.org
Website: http://www.kasih-hospice.org

3. All Women’s Action Society Malaysia (AWAM)

Malaysian women

photo credit pitt_street

The All Women’s Action Society in Malaysia is committed to improving the lives of women in Malaysia by securing women’s rights, bringing about equality of men and women and supporting women in crisis. The organization provides counselling services and legal assistance, as well educating the public to create awareness of violence against women. The society lobbies and advocates for improved legislation and policies by bringing up women’s concerns with key decision makers. You can ask about volunteering by giving them a call, sending them an email or dropping by their office.

Add: All Women’s Action Society (AWAM)
No. 85, Jalan 21/1
46300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor
Malaysia
Contact Information
If calling from Malaysia:
Tel: 03 7877 4221
Fax: 03 7874 3312
If calling from overseas:
Tel: +60 3 7877 4221
Fax: + 60 3 7874 3312
Website
http://www.awam.org.my
Email
[email protected]
Other Forms of Contact
HELPLINE: 03 7877 0224

 

4. Malaysian Aids Council

The Malaysian Aids Council offers both volunteer opportunities and internships for those studying at university. The aims of the organization are to increase the awareness of HIV and AIDS, prevent the spread of HIV, eliminate the social stigma surrounding this disease and to promote and protect the rights of those made vulnerable by HIV and AIDs. The Aids Council in Malaysia also provides care and support for people with HIV and AIDS and ensures the highest possible quality of life for them.

Add:
12 Jalan 13/48a
Boulevard Business Centre Sentul Raya,
51000 Kuala Lumpur,
Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
03-4045-1033


5. The National Zoo (Zoo Negara)

photo credit Wiki

If you’re an animal lover or you quite fancy yourself as a vet or a zookeeper, then you can volunteer at the National Zoo. The volunteer programme is open to anyone over the age of 16 and you’ll be working throughout the 8-hour day from 8:30am. You’ll help out in areas like research, promotions, photography, enrichment, graphic design, education, grounds/horticulture and in the education centre. The zoo also needs people to aid the zookeepers with exhibitions of animals like reptiles, bears, big cats, birds, hoof stock and great apes.

Add:
Zoo Negara Malaysia,
Ulu Kelang,
68000 Selangor,
Tel 603-4108-3422

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