Herald Malaysia
PENANG – In conjunction with the Season of Creation 2025, themed Peace with Creation, Caritas Penang organised a threeday, two-night immersion camp that invited young adults to spend a night in the jungle with the Orang Asli community.
Titled YOUMAD 2.0, the program was the fruit of prayer and collaboration between Caritas Penang, the Penang Diocesan Youth Network (PDYN), World Youth Day pilgrims, and Malaysian Care. It was designed to empower young people to make a difference through lived experience and reflection.
The camp aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of climate change and its impact on vulnerable communities, especially the Orang Asli, by engaging them in real-life encounters with nature and the local community. Through this hands-on and faith-rooted experience, participants were invited to reflect on the realities they witnessed, discern them in the light of the Gospel, and be inspired to take concrete action for creation and community.
Rooted in Scripture
The program incorporated Bible study materials from the Season of Creation 2025, centring on the Prophet Jeremiah. Each day, participants gathered to reflect on Scripture, share personal insights, and pray for a renewal of heart.
This daily Bible reflection formed the spiritual core of the YOUMAD 2.0 camp, helping participants understand their purpose and calling in joining the immersion. Through it, Caritas Penang sought to cultivate in young people a habit of reflection and prayer, reminding them that without spiritual grounding, life can easily become barren and directionless.
The sessions were facilitated by Bro Solomon, a seminarian on his pastoral year at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Kampar. He guided participants toward a deeper awareness of their faith, their responsibility as children of God, and their vocation as stewards of Creation — caring for the environment, animals, and the poor.
Experiencing the Life of the Orang Asli
On the second day, participants spent the entire day at Ladang Care, an Orang Asli demonstration and research centre in Kampung Sungai Cincin, Perak, established by Malaysian Care to support indigenous community initiatives. They joined in community work — cleaning the sheepfold, fertilising fruit trees and vegetable plots, gathering firewood, clearing leaves, and tidying pathways — experiencing firsthand the simple, daily rhythms of Orang Asli life.
An awareness session led by a coordinator from Malaysian Care followed, offering insights into the organisation’s long-standing ministry among the Orang Asli — a mission deeply rooted in the Gospel’s call to love one’s neighbour. Their tireless service and solidarity have helped rebuild lives and strengthen communities, demonstrating the transformative power of faith in action.
Participants also met members of the Temiar and Semai tribes, listened to their stories, and formed genuine friendships. Abang Prima, a Temiar man from Slim River, shared how his village was transformed through Malaysian Care’s empowerment program — from lacking basic infrastructure to now having proper roads, housing, clean water, and electricity. Adik Alang, a 19-year-old who was once illiterate, recounted how, after a devastating flood, a visiting pastor helped him gain access to education. Eight years later, he speaks both English and Bahasa Malaysia fluently, his story moving many to tears — a powerful reminder of how one act of love can change a life.
Female participants were also touched by the sharing of Orang Asli women, who spoke candidly about their struggles, work, and faith — and how they overcame hardship through the support and love of fellow Christians.
As evening approached, participants worked alongside the Orang Asli to prepare dinner, collecting firewood, gathering vegetables, catching fish, and building a fire. In the jungle, they became students once again, learning survival skills and appreciating the deep connection the Orang Asli have with nature.
The day concluded with praise and worship around a campfire, where Orang Asli Christians and Catholic participants sang, prayed, and shared gifts beneath a star-filled sky. Surrounded by the sounds of the river and the forest, laughter and song intertwined in a spirit of gratitude, solidarity, and joy — a fitting close to a day that celebrated faith, friendship, and creation.
Call to Serve
On the final day, the camp concluded with a call to action. Caritas Penang reminded participants of the Church’s mission entrusted to every Christian — to know God and to make Him known through love and service. Words of hope and prayer were exchanged, followed by an invitation to continue the journey by volunteering with Caritas Penang in its social mission.
Before the camp began, participants had shared their expectations — some hoped to make new friends, others to experience Orang Asli village life, to learn about care for creation, or to discover new ways to serve. Their reflections at the end revealed a deeper thirst — to grow in faith and love.
Through the YOUMAD 2.0 experience, Caritas Penang hopes that these young people found what they were seeking: a renewed sense of purpose, compassion, and connection with both God and creation. The camp, they were reminded, was not an end but a beginning — a call to live out their faith in action, serving the poor and caring for God’s Creation in their everyday lives.
Participants’ Testimonies
“A big thank you to everyone who helped and supported me throughout the camp. Your kindness, friendliness, and assistance meant a lot to me, and I truly appreciate every one of you.” ~ Ernest
“I would like to thank you all for the best of these three days’ stay as one family in Christ.” ~ Mavrick
“It was a great memory for me as we could all gather at a place that connects us to nature and gives us the opportunity to experience the life of the Orang Asli.” ~ Desmond
“Let’s continue to share the love of Jesus Christ with the world and all of creation.” ~ Cerlys – Herald Malaysia
