Community Development

The Community Development Working Committee of Local Agenda 21 has the first focus group meeting last Tuesday. The meeting was briefed on the past and current programmes as well as the proposed direction for community development in Petaling Jaya. It was told that previously, the Committee was named Social Integration as lacking of social interaction and mutual understanding amongst members of the multi ethnic and social background community was identified in early year 2000 as one of the three concerns for PJ community. Based on the identified issue, an action plan entitled Strengthening the Neighbourhood Spirit with the participation from various stakeholders was formulated. While the meeting acknowledged that the action plan is still intact and on going programmes should be carried out and enhanced so that a united, harmonious and caring society of PJ can be created, it is time to look into other focus as well.



After much deliberation and drawing from the experiences and observations of the members, it was agreed that aspect on children be given due consideration. Children, as outlined under the Chapter 25, Agenda 21 is a global concern. It mentioned that as children and youth made up of 30% of the total world population, it is primarily important involve this group in the sustainable development process. Every sphere of governance system has to incorporate this group and focusing on the poverty, nutrition, health, education and right aspects. Focusing on children issue is also a pulling factor for greater participation from other segment of society as generally every one is concerned about children. Having said this, YB Dr Nasir, the chair reminded the committee to be wary about possibility of over exploiting the interest of the children.



The Committee decided to draft an outline plan on children for further discussion. A plan with the goal to develop A Child Friendly City of Petaling Jaya. Friendly in the sense of safety, health, education, opportunities and participation. The experience of Community Support Network headed by Datuk Ghazali bin Dato' Yusoff will be invited to share their thoughts and works during the next meeting scheduled on next month. Other resource persons will also be invited.



It is definitely a good start.