Vendargon foundation to educate the poor

THE Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon Foundation was launched last month to give underprivileged youth opportunities in education. 

Speaking at the launch, Kuala Lumpur Archbishop Emeritus Anthony Soter Fernandez said the foundation was named after Archbishop Emeritus Tan Sri Dominic Vendargon who had always shown a profound love and concern for the education of young people. 

“During his service as a priest, and as bishop and archbishop of Kuala Lumpur, until his retirement a few years back, he always looked for ways to give youth a second chance if they failed in whatever they did,” said Fernandez. 

The foundation operates two Stella Maris schools, and manages scholarships for students and teachers. 

Earlier, Fernandez declared open the new four-storey Sekolah Rendah Stella Maris in Hulu Klang, Selangor. 

He said that the school represents the commitment by the Catholic Church towards the development of future generations. “We believe children, irrespective of race or creed, rich or poor, deserve the best that we can provide them. They are God's gift to us and we must look after them. 

“The Church has set up schools in almost every town in the country. The starting of private schools, such as the Stella Maris schools, is a continuation of this mission to supplement and complement the Government's effort to provide wholesome education for our young people.”