Issue 4: Role of Student Tamil Societies
Issue 4: Role of Student Tamil Societies
PAGE 28
Post-Panel Discussion
What can be done further to strengthen the Tamil student societies?
Recommendation 1: Forming an apex student leadership body
• A apex leadership could be formed to organise the existing Tamil societies in a sustainable manner. Societies can retain their own flagship events and expand on new initiatives. The leadership will explore their common interest and ensure proper allocation of resources for the activities.
• The apex leadership board can comprise of all the society presidents. One of the university Tamil society heads can take turns to head this leadership board every other year. Or, it can exist as a board of leaders. The out-going presidents can facilitate in setting up and proper handover of this body.
• This apex organisation can be grouped into clusters. Societies with similar goals can work together on similar interests. The more experienced cluster can take charge of an event and spearhead it.
• This formation of an apex student leadership body would also allow for larger sponsorships if the community outreach is done well. Possible ideas for collaboration can include overseas trips which include community service as learning journeys and events which families can take part in together.
• Pros: Improvement on existing projects. More purposeful events can be organised. Clashes between events of similar nature can be avoided. Networking opportunities for participants when students from various institutions come together. More resources can be allocated where necessary with a large poll of resources.
• Cons: If not managed well, it will not be sustainable as there might be conflicts of interest. The pooling of resources should be done in a fair manner, otherwise some parties might be providing too much while others do not give enough. Pooling of resources might lead to more administrative processes which could lead to time wastage.
• The current Tri-Uni camp can expand to JCs, polytechnics and secondary schools. The university societies can lead inter-JC competitions and debate competitions.
• On top of the internal budget used for their own school activities, the student societies should set aside some amount as external budget for collaborative purposes. The amount can be used to for combined mentorship or leadership programmes.