New Thessalonian Apostolate (NTA) is a homegrown Catholic missionary organization under the patronage of the Titular of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang. NTA runs various humanitarian programs focused on bringing relief and access to basic needs to non-central parts of Malaysia.
People have always moved away from their homes to find work or to escape war, natural disasters, poverty, persecution, inequality and hunger. Caritas believes in a positive view of migration – refugees should be welcomed as they bring many benefits to their host countries not just those they left behind.
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 4 full-time dedicated teachers managing 4 classrooms between them.
The school focuses on a simple yet wholesome education. This includes the 3Rs and 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 ensure that they receive nutritional supplements in school (e.g. multivitamins). This is to address the poor state of health and lack of nourishment the children are normally in when they first joined.
While NTA’s guiding vision is rooted in the seven themes of Catholic Social Teachings, we subscribe to a strict policy of non-religious interference in recognition and respect for the diverse religious beliefs of all those we seek to serve.
When we were hit by the Covid 19 Pandemic and our country-restricted movement, NTA made the below pledge:
Once the lockdowns were lifted, in-school learning resumed by breaking our children into multiple groups in two sessions. There was a completely new normal within the classroom, all while our teachers adhered to frequent self-testing protocols.
This year so many have lost access to medical support or are unable to obtain the support needed due to border control. NTA has been ensuring that they can obtain emergency medical support, medical support for chronic illness, and prenatal/postnatal care.
Caritas is the charitable arm of the Roman Catholic Church. It is to spearhead the church’s social mission, to respond to humanitarian crisis, promote integral human development and advocate on the causes of poverty and violence.
Caritas Penang comes under the jurisdiction of The Titular Roman Catholic Bishop of Penang.
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