Voice of the Children (VoC) is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2008 to advocate on issues affecting children. VoC recognizes that the welfare and protection of every child in Malaysia can only be realized through the adoption, implementation and enforcement of the Convention on the Rights of the Child in Malaysia. As part of its core mission, VoC advocates for law and policy reform to ensure that every child in Malaysia is protected from all forms of abuse and is no longer at risk of violation.
VoC was established in order to fill a gap in existing children’s services, which traditionally have specialized in caring for children by supplying food, shelter, education and other direct services. By focusing instead on legal and policy issues affecting children, VoC occupies a distinct niche in Malaysia. We aim to be a resource for both service organizations and the legal community by providing information and advocacy on laws, policies, and treaties that impact children. To raise awareness among the general public, VoC publishes children’s books on social issues that affect children, such as child labor and refugee children.
In 2011 VoC is focusing on research, training and child registration. Research on how laws and policies impact children give us a factual base from which to discuss the situation of children in Malaysia. Our training programs centre on the human rights of children and how these rights should be applied in real life settings, such as the legal system or child care centres. VoC also is starting a program to assist children and their families obtain birth certificates for children who are eligible for Malaysian citizenship. Our work is funded through grants from corporations and donations from individuals, as well as sales from the children’s books.
More information about our agency can be found on our website: www.voc.org.my
Internship Scope
The VoC internship program is targeted at students who are interested in human rights, children’s issues and work in a community-based organisation. During the two month internship, students will learn about advocating for policy reforms, raising awareness on issues and gauging the impact of governmental policies on day-to-day life. VoC interns will work on their own research projects, as well as participate in media outreach, grant writing and community events. They will have the opportunity to participate in any trainings that occur during their internship, and learn the principles of rights-based research.
