The Mission Continues! What began in 1980 as the Mariaville Good Shepherd Kindergarten, at Jalan Francois, Tambun, Ipoh has now been transformed into Asrama Shalom Marian, an educational project for Orang Asli (OA) children across Peninsular Malaysia. Under the stewardship of the Light of Shalom Society Malacca (LSS), this former kindergarten has been repurposed into a free boarding hostel, providing OA children with safe accommodation, food, care and access to quality education in Ipoh. The objective is to help the children complete their SPM and build a brighter future.
On 13 June 2025, Cardinal Sebastian Francis, Bishop of Penang, visited the Asrama Shalom Marian to bless the premises and engage with around 50 resident children, ages 7 to 17. Accompanying Cardinal Sebastian were members of the Catholic Church ministries to evaluate how they can assist. They are the Good Shepherd Sisters: Sr. Sandra Masilang (Community Leader), Sr. Dorothy Khaw, Sr. Elizabeth Hui, Franciscan Sisters of the Immaculate Conception (FSIC): Sr. Florence Nemesius, Sr. Lucynia Jeprin, Sahabat Orang Asli: Bernard Lee, Stephanie Yeap, Jude Danny, Caritas OMPH: Joseph Choong, Abby Cheong, Jeffrey Anand, Simee Home: Vincent Lee and wife Esther Lee, and volunteers Dennis Hon, Michael Joseph and Sajina d/o Sinniwasingum. The LSS members included Director Joseph Boon Chai, Chief Warden Ivan Khairil and Dato’ James Chin (Protem Working Committee).
Cardinal Sebastian emphasized that education is a fundamental right, and the Catholic Church stands firmly behind initiatives that nurture young minds. Cardinal expressed his joy at seeing the Orang Asli children given opportunities for academic excellence and personal growth.
Sr. Dorothy, who fondly recalls her days as the administrator of the Tadika Mariaville, expressed her joy to see the buildings repurposed for such a noble cause. The children looked happy and excited, and she is glad that the perennial flood problem has been made manageable. The Good Shepherd Sisters, an Order founded by Saint Mary Euphrasia [1796-1868], look forward to close cooperation with the LSS for the children’s welfare. Sr. Dorothy is pleased that the open hall which the Sisters built has preserved the portraits of their foundress and the name Tadika Mariaville as a heritage memory.
Joseph Boon Chai expressed deep gratitude towards Cardinal Sebastian, Good Shepherd Sisters and the Catholic Diocese of Penang for providing this large complex equipped with rooms, classrooms, a field, spacious hall, kitchen facilities and a multi-storey dorm. This facility offers the OA children a conducive environment where they can live, eat and focus on their schoolwork. Joseph also mentioned that LSS provides transportation to and from school. The children presently are attending SK Marian Convent, St. Michael Institution, SK La Salle, and Anglo Chinese School. During school holidays, the children are sent back to their home villages in Gua Musang and other areas to facilitate family bonding.
The visit concluded with the blessing prayers for Asrama Shalom Marian led by Sr. Florence, along with blessings by Cardinal Sebastian and Sr. Lucynia. This was followed by the signing of the Tenancy Agreement, a generous cheque presentation of RM10K on behalf of a Korean national well-wisher, and a warm fellowship dinner.
By Christopher Kushi
