On June 30, 2002, 152 people gathered at the Dewan Nethaji, Kuala Lumpur and devoted a day to reflect on how volunteers have been involving themselves in rebuilding the local neighbourhoods in 40 locations throughout the country. With the assistance of the funding received by YSS from the government a variety of community-based programmes have been implemented between June 2001 to June 2002, over a 13 months period.

Of the 152 participants, 82 were from 34 of the 40 identified neighbourhoods, 45 from 19 Indian based organizations currently involved in the implementation of ground programmes and 25 regular volunteers.

The day started with an overview presentation by Dr Denison Jayasooria who explained what neighbourhood social work is all about and the features for practical implementation. He pointed out that of the 40 neighbourhoods about 15 are well organised with a local committee and have over the past 12 months run systematic local programmes for the benefit of those residing in the locality.

The session was followed by the presentation of 5 case studies. These were well presented with the aid of an LCD projecter with pictures and graphics. The 5 exemplary locations were Lembah Subang; KTM Rumah Panjang; Kg.Pasir, Wangsa Maju; Kg.Tersusun Kamuning, Sg.Siput; & Batu Anam, Segamat.

The programmes were co-ordinated in a variety of ways for example this could be run by local residents groups or local Indian based organization or a local Temple committee or a national Indian based organization such as the Hindu Sangam’s ATMAH team. What is significant is the emergence of grass-roots team taking local ownership and control of programmes.

Mrs Jasmine Adaickalam in her session charted out various stages or phases in community work. This is necessary to determine in which stage we are at and how we move beyond to ensure a better quality of life for all living in the neighbourhood.

The Secretary General of the Ministry for National Unity and Social Development, Dr P. Manogaran encouraged the workers to continue to serve at the grass-roots and in this process to ensure professional standards and accountability to the funds provided. Dato S.Veerasingam, The Parlimentary Secretary for the Ministry closed the session by appreciating the services provided by neighbourhood leaders and volunteers for the advancement of the community and assured that government will continue support these endeavors.

There is potential to develop this model of grass-roots involvement and enable local people to control their own destiny through a system of smart partnerships and effective networkings.

(Submitted on 8th Jul 2002)