Tucked away in a quiet, undisclosed location in Kuching, Dawn Hope Shelter Home stands as Sarawak’s, legally-structured safe haven for unwed pregnant teenagers and at-risk women.
More than just a shelter; it is a sanctuary shaped by compassion, professionalism, and a strong commitment to safeguarding vulnerable lives.
At the heart of Dawn Hope Shelter is Manjeet Kaur Sidhu, a woman whose dedication is evident in every corner of the home.
“We are not here to encourage pregnancies outside of marriage.
“But when it happens—whether through lack of knowledge, trauma, or poor choices—the least we can do is ensure these girls have somewhere safe to go,” Manjeet said.
Operating under Pertubuhan Pembangunan Insan Sarawak (PPIS), the shelter is funded by Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) and the Ministry of Finance.
It was officiated by Women, Family, and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri on Feb 1.
With capacity for 15 residents and a target of 60 intakes in its first year, Dawn Hope offers far more than a roof: comprehensive care, medical assistance, education, counselling, and protection.
According to Manjeet, each girl who stays at Dawn Hope Shelter is covered by a group personal accident insurance policy.
“If they fall, injure themselves, or need basic hospital treatment, they’re covered. It’s not a large amount, but it’s sufficient.”
This level of attention to detail reflects the home’s commitment to safety and dignity.
Admissions follow legal procedures, and with parental consent wherever possible.
Manjeet shares that the location remains strictly confidential for the safety of residents, as even communications with family are strictly supervised.
“Some parents, though well-meaning, may unintentionally shame or trigger pre- and post-depression.
“Everything here is designed to protect their mental well-being.”
The shelter generally admits teenagers from age 12, but under special circumstances, young women in their 20s may be admitted at the discretion of the management.
“If they’re still studying and emotionally in need, we’ll take them in.”
Dawn Hope also collaborates with Timberland Medical Centre and Sarawak General Hospital (SGH) to ensure antenatal care, pink book registration, and delivery arrangements.
As for stateless cases, where government hospitals may hesitate, CSR partnerships with private hospitals help share delivery costs.
Beyond physical and medical support, the shelter offers holistic rehabilitation. Qualified personnel provide emotional counselling, basic life skills, education modules, and vocational training.
Furthermore, a matron from SGH will visit regularly to conduct health check-ups and provide guidance to residents throughout their pregnancies.
Manjeet also ensures that all staff members, including herself, are medically cleared and hold valid typhoid and food-handling certifications.
“Everyone here must be certified. It’s about accountability.”
Moreover, adoption is another carefully structured aspect of the shelter’s work.
For mothers unable to raise their babies, the shelter facilitates legal adoptions through a pro bono licensed lawyer, respecting ethnicity and religion.
Crucially, Manjeet personally follows up on each adoption for one to two years, ready to intervene if a child is neglected.
Dawn Hope addresses troubling trends of baby abandonment and illegal adoptions, including cases where unwed mothers are pressured into informal handovers that leave children stateless and undocumented.
The shelter works closely with village heads, providing legal documentation and safe hospital access to prevent such outcomes.
The home itself is fully equipped with large bedrooms, a living area, a dining area, counselling rooms, a baby care section, and both wet and dry kitchens.
Residents manage laundry to build independence, and each has a personal file with identity documents, medical records, and appointment logs.
“We give them structure and teach them to care for themselves—not just now, but for life.”
Currently, the home employs 11 staff, with plans to expand and eventually create a hub for women’s care in East Malaysia, including a domestic violence shelter and adoption and recovery centre.
“We may build another shelter if needed in other parts of Sarawak.
“But for now, we bring girls from all over Sarawak to Kuching, at Dawn Hope Shelter Home management’s discretion.
“For now, every girl who walks through our gate must leave stronger, safer, and more hopeful. This shelter is a promise that no girl has to face motherhood alone.”
As Dawn Hope Shelter Home continues to provide refuge for unwed pregnant teenagers and at-risk women in Sarawak, the public are being called upon to lend their support through advocacy.
The shelter, which provides a safe and structured environment for girls facing crisis pregnancies, welcomes pre-loved baby items, maternity and children’s clothing, personal care supplies, and educational materials.
Qualified volunteers from registered NGOs, are also welcome to show support through mentorship, vocational training, and health care assistance.
This will help residents to regain confidence and prepare for independent living.
Equally important is raising awareness – sharing information about the shelter on social media, in schools, and community networks, to promote safe, legal alternatives to baby abandonment.
For contributions or to learn more, contact 014 692 6123 or visit Dawn Hope Shelter Home’s official Facebook page.
Every small act of kindness goes a long way in helping these young mothers rebuild their lives with dignity and respect.
