Celebrating and Sustaining achievements

On June 20th, 2005 Friedrich Naumann Foundation with ERA Consumer Malaysia and the European Commission Delegation to Malaysia hosted a dinner for representatives from the EU member states, the Malaysian government, corporations, media and volunteers involved with the project Community Centres for the Empowerment of Indian Women in Malaysia.

The dinner was held at the Istana Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, to celebrate and share the success of the project Community Centres for the Empowerment of Indian Women in Malaysia. Between May 2003 and January 2005 ten Community Centres have been set up in the four states of Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Perak and Selangor, reaching out to more than 5,000 women, youth and men in the communities.

During the dinner heart warming stories of people that benefited from the European Union’s grant were shared with the audience, which included representatives from the Embassies of 7 of the EU member states with presence in Malaysia, key Government and political party representatives, executives from Malaysian corporations, members of the media, as well as volunteers and community leaders.

A video illustration showing the target beneficiaries before and after their interaction with the Community Centres illustrated the positive results and transformation. People without birth and marriage certificates or any form of identification have been assisted in obtaining such documents, making it possible for them to access basic welfare and employment opportunities; women and young girls on the brink of suicide are now leading a better life with a more positive attitude; single mothers and financially instable women now have the skills needed to earn income; and many other success stories.

All the activities under the project have been made possible due to the co-funding grant from the European Union of close to EURO 1 Million. However, the funding ends after the 3-year project period, i.e. April 2006. The biggest challenge that lies ahead for the implementing partners, Friedrich Naumann Foundation and ERA Consumer Malaysia, is to quell the saying all things come to an end and make it possible for this project to continue bringing positive results into the lives of Indian minority.

Of course, political sustainability can be achieved through policy and legislative changes that will help bring about betterment in the situation of the Indian Malaysians. At the same time efforts are now put to obtain funding and sponsorships from other sources, particular the corporate sector, in order for the work of the Community Centres to continue. In that regard, we are already making progress as was evident on the celebration event itself, with the Istana Hotel providing the venue as well as generously sponsoring the wonderful dinner that was served to all the guests. Our special thanks go to Mr. Jochen Schmid, the General Manager, Mr. Bennett Chang, Director of Sales and Marketing, Ms. Nabilah Lee, Manager of Sales and Marketing and all the banquet and other staff of the hotel.

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