Proposal for a model Penang State Government Community … · Proposal for a model Penang State...

Proposal for a model Penang State Government Community Centre

Objective :

The main objective of this working paper is to propose the conversion of

the abandoned Taman Sri NibongMedan Selera into a model

Penang State Government

Community Centre

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Front View of Medan Selera

Front view from the road

Back View

Spacious Car Park at the back

Left Side View

Right Side View

A very active Taman Sri NibongResidents’ Association across the road

Beautifully landscaped Dataran Bunga Raya with well- equipped outdoor gym, basketball and sepak takraw courts, jogging

tracks & children’s playground opposite the complex

This park has the largest field in Penang after Padang Polo

Now Medan Selera is a sadly neglected ‘White Elephant’, a wastage of precious public funds

A happy breeding ground for generations of mosquitoes

Obscene graffiti sprayed on walls

Vandalism : All fans stolen & sinks broken

Drain covers stolen, exposing drains clogged with rubbish

All circuit boards & wiring stolen

Empty stalls a haunt for drug addicts at night

More rubbish strewn about

Background of TSN Medan Selera

The Taman Sri Nibong Medan Selera was officiallyopened on 6.12.2004. Later, a small section wasused for an afternoon market. However thecomplex has ceased operation since 2006. It ismost unfortunate that another state projectfunded with taxpayers’ money has failed so soon.Residents here are not in favour of a Food Courtin the midst of the beautiful Taman as hawkerspollute the drains and environment. The complexfinally closed due to lack of patronage as thereare so many food outlets in and around theTaman Sri Nibong.

Why waste public funds?

We can convert this wasted project into a thriving Community Centre

We could have a Community Centre that is uniquely CAT Penang based on Singapore’s Community Development Centers ( CDCs )

set up in every housing district

WHAT IS A CDC ?Introduction

The Community Development Council ( CDC ) functions as a local administration of its District, initiating, planning and managing community programs to promote community bonding and social cohesion.

Through the Community Development Councils, the residents can get involved in their community and work towards making life better for themselves and their fellowmen. The more able and successful are encouraged to come forward to help the less successful to make our community a better place for all.

The Community Development Council also provides various community and social assistance services delegated from the Ministries. As the Community Development Councils are closer to the ground, they will be more attuned and responsive to the specific needs of their communities.

Mission

To be a partner in achieving community bonding and social cohesion.

Vision

A vibrant community with one heart.

What are the aims of CDCs ?

Mission of CDCs

The mission of the Community Development Council is to be a partner in community bonding and social cohesion. This is a great challenge that requires the

co-operation of both the State and Community, with the help and

participation of volunteers.

CDC Services

• The CDC administer various government program and schemes to help the needy residents by providing social and job assistance. Residents can also volunteer and get involved in community projects and programs in their area of interest or expertise. To engage the community, the CDC work closely with the stakeholders and partners to build synergy within the community. The services provided by the CDC are identified under the common strategic thrusts of ‘ABC’ – Assisting the Needy, Bonding the People and Connecting the Community as illustrated below.

• Assisting the NeedyTo help the less fortunate through job-matching and social assistance schemes. more

• Bonding the PeopleTo bond the community through projects and programs to bring them closer to one another.more

• Connecting the CommunityTo develop strategic partnerships with corporate and community partners to better serve our residents.

Fostering Community Bonding

• Work with children/youths/elderly• Promote family bonding and values• Promote multi-racial understanding• Organize activities to promote community interaction• Improve community safety and security• Promote Infocomm Technology (IT)• Support arts and culture• Promote healthy living• Share/Teach a skill or provide a professional service• Reach out to the needy• Help in fund raising• Promote sports activities• Participate in environmental projects• Participate in community emergency exercises• Help explain government initiatives• Participate in dialogue sessions• Represent District in inter-agency meetings• Be a Community Co-ordinator and Leader of Project Teams

Funding of CDCs

• Annual Resident GrantEach Community Development Council is provided with an annual grant of $1 per resident living in that Community Development Council District for its programs.

• Matching Grant from GovernmentThe Community Development Council can also raise funds for its programs. For every $1 donated, the Government will match it with $3. To encourage longer-term donations, the Government gives a higher matching grant of $4 for every $1 raised from local residents and business through GIRO contributions.

• Operating GrantThe cost of running the Community Development Council offices is met by the Government.

How can we apply the CDC concept to TSNCC ?

• We can have the 1st State Government Community Centre in Malaysia. The TSNCC can be a model for other districts in Penang to emulate and improve upon.

• We can work closely with YB Mr Phee Boon Poh for Health and Welfare, a Caring Society and a better Environment

• We can have Community Centres with sections that will cater for : Women & ChildrenYouths & Senior CitizensEducation & TrainingLibrary & IT Centre

• The State Government can get donors and sponsors for each section

Can the TSN Medan Selera be converted into a Community Centre ?

• Yes - Structurally, it is already divided into 4 sections.

• Dividing walls between stalls can be knocked down. Each section can then be walled up, adding doors & windows. The 4 sections can cater for Women & Children, Youths & Senior Citizens, Education & Training, Library & IT Centre.

• The tables and benches can be retained for use in each section to cut cost.

• The central area can be an Administrative Office, Meeting Room , Police Beat Base and a small café.

Front Right Section :Library & IT Centre

Library & IT Centre

• Library to be run by MPPP

• Books can be donated or bought from second hand bookshops to save cost

• Big book companies like Popular, MPH, Borders etc can donate books and revision courses for students

• Computers can be donated by IT companies like Intel. PC Literacy & Internet classes can be conducted here

Back Right Section :Education & Training Centre

Education & Training Centre

• Tuition classes for poor students under our ADUN

• Adult education classes eg English & Mandarin

• Useful courses for working adults eg Leadership Courses, Public Speaking, Communication & Listening Skills etc.

• Talks on relevant issues faced by working adults

• This centre can also be rented by companies or free courses can be conducted by NGOs and other voluntary organizations

Front Left Section:Women & Children’s Centre

Women & Children’s Centre

• Liaise with YB Ms Lydia Ong for Women and Family development

• Kindergarten for poor children

• Collective Community Care for single mothers who can take turns to care for their children

• Family Life Education can be conducted by Penang Family Planning Association

• Mothers can learn new skills eg handicraft to help them earn an extra income

Back Left Section :Youths & Senior Citizens’ Centre

Youths & Senior Citizens Centre

• Liase with YB Ms Lydia Ong for Youth & Sports programs

• Liaise with YB Mr Phee Boon Poh for Senior Care programs

• Regular health checks for senior citizens by GH

• Community Day Care for senior citizens to meet and chat withpeers. This could also be a centre where working children canleave their aged parents during their working hours and bringthem home after work to ensure they are safe and cared forinstead of being left alone at home.

• Counseling for teenagers in the afternoons – liaise with Help4U,an online helpline to help in the learning related issues &problems of students who are in secondary school, college oruniversity

Community Activities

The Taman Sri Nibong Residents’ Association situatedacross the road has many activities eg Line Dancing,Belly Dancing, Pilates, Yoga, Guitar Class, Ping-Pong,Taekwondo, Wushu, Tai Chi as well as regularmonthly family scrambles ‘Happy Trails’ every lastSat. The trails for the rest of 2009 lead to Bk JambulHills, Muka Head Beach, Penang Hill & Bk Gambier.

Details at the TSNRA Blog http://tsnra.wordpress.com/

Can the TSNCC be a Reality?

• YES – with the co-operation of the Penang StateGovernment, State Departments, NGOs,Entrepreneurs, Private Companies, Factories,TSNRA, donors & sponsors. Other CommunityService organizations like the Rotary Club, LionsClub and Jaycees can offer sound financialassistance and invaluable expertise.

• Isn’t it more fruitful to convert the abandonedMedan Selera into a great community centre thanlet it deteriorate further into a greater eye-sore?