An agent for change – this may well describe the role of the Yayasan Strategik Sosial (YSS) since its formation in 1997.
It had a low-key start as a unit within the headquarters of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) in that year. Its prime mover was MIC president Dato' Seri S. Samy Vellu. By the following year, the unit had been granted Foundation status.
It began with one staff operating from a room but now the Foundation has adequate space for all its staff to meet clients, plan programmes, compile studies, and draw up proposals at its Menara Manickavasagam headquarters. The place is a hive of activity as people travel from near and far seeking assistance for their problems. The issues range from housing, education and jobs to poverty, single mothers and juvenile delinquency.
The setting up of YSS was a direct response to the challenge of uplifting the Malaysian Indian community. It is a natural extension of the philosophy and mission of the MIC to venture into the socio-economic arena which affects a large segment of the community.
YSS was founded to study and analyse the Indian community's struggles in a systematic manner. This would form a basis to influence public policy and bring about long-term and structural improvements in the community's well-being.
Concurrently, social programmes and community projects would be launched as an immediate response to the many problems facing the community. These would be conducted at grassroots level by staff and volunteers working with Government agencies, groups and organisations.
What has been its impact? How effective has YSS been? What is the future for it?
One can safely say that a good start has been made and the positive results are being consolidated. There has also been a fair share of teething problems and obstacles in implementing proposals but these are being resolved and overcome.
The impact of YSS can be measured at three levels. First, within the party and the Indian community, there is now a greater sense of awareness of the socio-economic challenges ahead. This is due to the many programmes, proposals, surveys, research, dialogues and training sessions carried out by YSS. Much more needs to be done but a steady start has been made. The initial success has been due to the support of the party leadership, ordinary members, volunteers, other agencies and staff.
Second, the Government has recognised the importance of the work of YSS and public agencies and civil servants have been cooperative and helpful in tackling and addressing various issues and problems raised. With closer cooperation and collaboration, much more impact can be made in the lives of those in need.
Third, among the target groups of the poor, needy and marginalised, there is growing awareness of where to get assistance and support. As the work of YSS spreads further from the centre in the Klang Valley to smaller urban centres and rural communities, there will be more opportunities to work together and uplift the community.
The work of YSS will have its share of detractors but with a clear focus on its vision and mission and with perseverance to implement strategies, the work will grow and be more effective.
The research and public policy wing will continue to play its part to study and analyse public policies and programmes and give the necessary feedback for more effective implementation.
As staff, volunteers and the target groups become better trained, empowered and equipped, the impact will be both far-reaching and in-depth. Together, these two aspects of the work of YSS will make it relevant and effective in the cause of uplifting an entire community.
(Submitted on 31st December 2001)
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