Issue 4 : Role of Student Tamil Societies
Issue 4 : Role of Student Tamil Societies
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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 .