A Volunteer Perspective: Serving Faithfully, Trusting Deeply.

When Marlinde and her family moved from the Netherlands to Penang, Malaysia, in 2023, they came with a desire to serve the community and plant a new church. It was through her daughter’s interest in midwifery that they first heard about Breathe Life—a local NGO providing maternal and early childhood care for Rohingya women. 

As it turned out, Marlinde already knew Glyn, the founder of Breathe Life, from years earlier when they had both served with the same organization. Marlinde called Glyn to let her know they were back in Penang, and Glyn was over at their house that very afternoon, friendship quickly rekindled.

Now, Marlinde is a volunteer leading weekly First 1,000 Days classes in Batu Ferringhi, where she works with young Rohingya mothers and their children. The sessions cover essential parenting skills—ranging from how to use mobile phones safely around children to how to encourage healthy sensory development through play. 

“What I enjoy most,” Marlinde shares, “is seeing the kids light up. At first, they’re shy, but within minutes, they’re laughing and playing. It becomes such a positive, joyful moment for both the moms and their children.”

One of the challenges she faces is consistency—getting moms to attend every week isn’t always easy given their circumstances. Part of a volunteer’s role is often to coordinate over text each week and make sure every mom remembers the time and will do their best to make it. When the classes come together, the impact is clear. Marlinde reports that her moms are enjoying the class, and she is also watching them grow more “empowered” in the way they speak, act, and approach the world. 

“I think the Rohingya ladies are very, very strong, and very special.” she reflected while talking about her faithful translator Dee. 

Marlinde has seen firsthand how education and encouragement are transforming lives. Some of the women who attended classes last year are now ready to lead their own groups—a powerful sign of growth and personal agency.

Marlinde knows that not all of Breathe Life’s impact is measurable with numbers, and believes deeply in the mission of Breathe Life. She sees her volunteer work as a natural extension of her faith. “We may not always see the fruit immediately,” she says, “but we trust that God is using every small moment.”

In a community where young moms may need supplemental life skills training, especially when older female relatives are not present in Malaysia, volunteers like Marlinde are offering more than just knowledge—they’re offering dignity, hope, and connection. 

Anyone with English literacy and a heart for young mothers can volunteer one hour per week with a First 1000 Days in-home class. If you’re interested, please contact us for more details!