History

YWCA of Kuala Lumpur

The YWCA of Kuala Lumpur was established in 1913.

As an active volunteer membership of women and girls, the YWCA works for the development of women and girls irrespective of race, religion, culture, language and socio-economic circumstances to:

Help them recognize and realize that they are of equal value in the sight of God with the potential to contribute to society;

Enable them to achieve self-determination and self-reliance in all areas of life;

Motivate and enable them to achieve their full potential physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually;

Develop their leadership, collective power and moral courage to take responsible action towards improving the status of women, youth, children, family and society.

The YWCA of Kuala Lumpur celebrated its 100th anniversary in March 2013. In the 1980s the YWCA of Kuala Lumpur began fund raising to set up a Youth Centre and this dream was realized when, in 1998 three courses of study were started in the newly completed 7 Storey Vocational Training Opportunity Centre (VTOC) to provide much needed skills training for underprivileged young women and girls from economically disadvantaged families.

A total of 1251 young women have completed their courses from 1998-2014. The VTOC training program has continued to be holistic. Apart from the course related subjects the integrated programs have included leadership training, knowledge in social issues, laws and legislation related to women and children and other relevant and appropriate information. This will raise the awareness of responsibility and help them to participate fully in society and contribute towards nation building.