PROJECTS
EDUCATION
The NTA School for Refugee Children in Alor Setar, Kedah began in 2012 when a humble living-room in a humble home was transformed into a place of learning. Since then, the school has moved to a more conducive location and has had nearly 200 students come through its doors. Today, the school is operational with 3 full time dedicated teachers managing 4 classrooms between them. Our intake for the year 2017 saw a registration of 100 refugee children, all of whom will remain with us in 2018 The school focuses on a simple yet wholesome education that focuses on the basic 3Rs and also basic living and social skills including hygiene, health, communication and confidence building.
As of 2015, we also care for the nutritional needs of our children by providing them with 2 healthy meals a day, i.e. breakfast and lunch and ensuring that they receive nutritional supplements in school (multivitamins). This is to address the poor state of health and lack of nourishment the children are normally in when they first join us.
On the 19th of January 2018, in collaboration with The LightHouse Penang, NTA School for Refugee Children at The LightHouse officially opened its doors.
We subscribe to a strict policy of non-religious interference in recognition and respect for the diverse religious belief of all those we seek to serve.
Kindly refer to our facebook page for the NTA School for Refugee Children's latest updates
TRAINING
Formerly known as NTA Social Enterprises, NTA PieceWorks is the new name for the non-profit social enterprise arm of the Catholic missionary group, New Thessalonian Apostolate (NTA). PieceWorks was founded to support NTA's goals of empowerment and capacity building through education and skills training activities. PieceWorks does this through programmes designed to train marginalised communities and facilitate income generation opportunities. NTA envisions a world where everyone has the opportunity to become the best versions of themselves, living a life of integral dignity and free from any form of fear, oppression or social discrimination.
NTA PieceWorks was the winner of the 2016 Julia Taft Grant awarded by the US State Department.
Kindly refer to our Facebook Page for the latest list of projects and programs.
PROGRAMMES
HEALTH
There is a dire need for medical aid for the refugee community. With the support of several generous local doctors and nurses, we are able to provide some form of primary Medical Aid to them.
RELIEF
Catastrophe hits when its least expected but we can always be prepared for it. The Emergency & Rehabilitation fund was set up to do precisely that. This fund has so far assisted in several emergency situations. One of them being, when a fire engulfed several refugee homes and critically injured two men in the process. Through this fund we were able to help the families, who lost everything of the little they owned, to rebuild their lives and ensure that the two men who were critically injured received the much needed medical attention.
ADVISORY
As of 2015 we also have been made the Operational Partner (OP) of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for the states of Perlis and Kedah. Through this partnership, NTA became the first point of contact for refugees who land in the Kedah/Perlis regions and the point of reference for asylum seekers who wish apply for UNHCR identity cards. This involves sitting down with the refugee to understand their story, why they fled their respective countries, thus developing a comprehensive case file for each of them to receive UNHCR Refugee status. Through this partnership, the refugees seeking UNHCR Refugee Status no longer need to travel to Kuala Lumpur for the initial interview.
WELLNESS
The NTA Nutrition Program started in 2015. We care for the nutritional needs of our children by providing them with 2 healthy meals a day, i.e. breakfast , lunch, and ensuring that the children receive nutritional supplements in school (multivitamins). This is to address the poor state of health and lack of nourishment the children are normally in when they join us.
PRE-NATAL
This was setup for pregnant women who have no one to turn to for support and assistance. Once again, with the support of several generous local doctors and nurses, we are able to provide some form of aid. We have also managed to garner the support of several generous families who pledged to open their homes to help care for pre- and post- natal women who do not have anywhere else to go.
PROTECT
We have partnered with Tenaganita to provide aid and protection to battered / abused women. Although, we initially began this programme for abused refugee women, we realised that there's a dire need for halfway homes within the region for ALL abused / battered women regardless of nationality. Hence, we have opened our doors to all such women who are in need of protection.
NATURE
Taking a page from Pope Francis “Laudato Si” (second encyclical written by Pope Francis and in it he talks about the "Care For Our Common Home) NTA decided it was time we actively carry out our responsibilities as stewards of the earth. We started doing this by ensuring that all programs that we run are environmentally friendly and all those we assist are advised to always do their part to care for the environment i.e recycle. We have also carried out visits to local animal shelters and assist whenever possible.
FREE FROM ILLNESS
With the rise in medical cost , a large number of refugee families are unable to ensure that their newborns / children receive the required vaccinations. With the support of several generous doctors and clinics we are able to run on going programs to ensure that these little ones receive their required vaccinations and have a chance that a healthier life.