By Anne Das
Most people in Perak have never heard of Shalom Marian Hostel. Yet behind the gates of the former Mariaville Good Shepherd Kindergarten (off Jalan Tambun), around 100 Orang Asli children now live, study and prepare for a future their parents could only dream of.
These are children from the deep, remote villages of Gua Musang and the interior jungles of Kelantan, where education is elusive and access is unforgiving. Under the stewardship of the Light of Shalom Society Malacca, Shalom Marian Hostel is an education project that provides free accommodation, meals, transportation and school support for Orang Asli children.
These students currently attend several schools in Ipoh, including St Michael’s Institution, SK La Salle, SK Marian Convent and SK ACS, and are aged between seven and seventeen.
To help sustain this work and meet monthly costs, Shalom Marian recently hosted its inaugural fundraising dinner. Despite the rain, around 700 supporters filled the hall for an evening that allowed the Orang Asli children to share their world with Ipoh.
Hostel Director Joseph Boon Chai opened the evening with words of gratitude, thanking the community for believing in the cause. “Education changes everything,” he said. “It gives our children dignity, and it gives our nation hope.”
Bishop Sebastian Francis spoke of education as an expression of faith in action. “Every child deserves the light of knowledge,” he said. “When we nurture that light, we honour the Creator’s gift of potential in every human being.”
YB Senator Bob Manolan, representing the Orang Asli community, spoke on behalf of his people about the persistent barriers to education in the interior. “Too many Orang Asli children stop at primary school because the system wasn’t built for them,” he said. “At Shalom Marian, they have a shot at changing that story for themselves and the future generation.”
The performances that followed were as heartfelt as they were impressive. The children took to the stage in colourful traditional wear, singing Rasa Sayang with such joy that the audience joined in.
The Voices of Shalom choir, made up of students, sang in harmony, their confidence shining through every note. There were traditional dances, a lively choral speaking performance, and even a surprise appearance by Perak’s very own “Elvis,” who had the crowd clapping along.
Dinner was prepared and served by the students and their families, giving the Ipoh community a chance to share a meal inspired by Orang Asli home cooking. Guests dined alongside parents and supporters, tasting dishes from the forest and river.
Among the highlights was Ikan Patin Masak Lemak Tempoyak, a durian-based dish that quickly became a crowd favourite.
FACTS: The Orang Asli remain one of the most marginalised communities in Malaysia, where poverty and limited access to education still shape daily life. In the remote jungles of Kelantan and Pahang, indigenous families face a cycle where poverty limits education, and the lack of education keeps poverty in place.
At Shalom Marian Hostel, those challenges are met with education that changes their narrative and helps children become confident, self-reliant young adults.
For those who would like to get involved, contributions can be made through cash donations, child sponsorships, donations in kind, or by volunteering time and skills. Every contribution helps keep a child in school and strengthens the future of an entire community.
To contribute or learn more:
📞 Joseph Boon Chai – +6019 351 1557 (Hostel Director)
📧 lightofshalom@gmail.com
🏦 Public Bank Berhad | Account Name: Light of Shalom Society Malacca | Account No: 321 5711 734
