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SEAPac Youth Leadership Program

Monday 3rd October 2011

Our journey started on the 2nd October at 10pm (Melbourne Victoria) with a flat tyre as we were leaving for the airport. Jessiee Kaur Singh (Mum, President of WIN Foundation & GreenFaith & also Global Trustee), Dya Singh (Dad, Dya Singh World Music Group) & I were being taken to the airport by my sister Harsel. On the way we were to pick up Nivy (Australian Youth and InterACTION CC rep) and Rachel (Australian Aboriginal Representative). We were meeting Ahmed (Australian Youth and BumbleBee CC Representative) at the airport. We managed to swap cars and finally made it, with Rachel making other arrangements and holding a place for us in the queue.

The universe was kind. We had 3 seats each to sleep on the flight all the way to Kuala Lumpur. When we landed we purchased our local SIMS and reconnected with the world and waited for Aunty Shakunthala (Regional Coordinator) and her daughter Sharon (Youth Representative) at Old Town Café at the LCCT (Budget airline) Terminal.

We were met by a Pure Life Society (PLS) representative, Uncle Subramaniam. A gentle beautiful and accommodating man. Dr Amir (SEAPac URI Chairperson) was waiting for us at the Pure Life Society grounds. We also had the opportunity of meeting Mother Mangalams, who has dedicated fifty years of her life to this orphanage and now heads it. Wow, what an amazing being. She radiates devotion and love. We were then treated to a gorgeous vegetarian lunch, which Mother told us is made by sevadars (volunteers) with love and devotion. One could actually taste the love and devotion in the food! Ahmed was especially fascinated with the Tofu (Soya Bean) Curry. It has the same texture as meat!

After lunch we checked into the Pearl Hotel, which is about 1km down the road from PLS. We weren’t impressed when we found out the pool was under renovations and the spa, sauna and steam room were for men only. But we managed to find a pedicure and also shopping nearby – typical girls!

After a shower and a rest all the youth gathered thus far, including Matthew (Youth Coordinator from London) and Jessica (Australian Youth Ambassador) headed out for dinner. We ended up in a vegetarian Indian restaurant called Chat Masala in Brickfields. We finally rolled out of there after stuffing ourselves silly and headed down the main road where temporary stalls have been put up for Deepavali (Hindu Festival of the Lights) celebrations which will start next week.

Tuesday 4th October 2011 

Breakfast - 8am. Nasi Lemak (Traditional Malaysian Rice breakfast), noodles, scrambled eggs and local, tropical fruit. We had a free day as the conference is only starting this evening. Rachel (my roomy) and I decided to head back to my Uncle’s house and then go shopping. Dad and Uncle Menjit ended up taking us to the Ulu Yam Waterfalls, in the midst of a heavy tropical downpour, onto the Selayang Hot Springs and then to Batu Caves (KL’s famous limestone caves housing a beautiful Hindu temple complex) for a late lunch before dropping us back to the hotel.

The opening of the YLP program started at 7pm. with another amazing meal at Pure Life Society. The evening was spent getting to know each other, creating an understanding of why we are here and setting the ground rules and program for the next 48 hours.

Wednesday 5th October 2011

After some prayers shared by our Sikh, Bahai, Muslim and Buddhist brothers and sisters we played the URI YLP Amazing Race in 5 groups . Each group given group tasks in envelopes strategically placed around the Pure Life Centre. It was fun and interactive. Ahmed’s group hailed as the winners.

Conversation, Dialogue and Debate. What are they, what are the differences and what are their purposes? This struck some interesting view points and discussion. Leading into Questions and answers.

I was given some time to put across some management, leadership and mentoring views, discussions and activities. It was helpful for many participants to get some clear logistical ways on why, how, what, when and where to run InterFaith events.

At 5pm half of us were taken to the Shah Alam Gurdawara to enjoy an evening with the local Sikh community and the kirtan (sung prayers) by Dya Singh. The group that went were treated to great Sikh hospitality and spirituality. In the van on the way home, some of us had the honour of spending time with Uncle Biff (from the Presidents Council) and also Uncle George and Aunty Jocelyn Armstrong from New Zealand.

Thursday 6th October 2011

Our sister Rachel celebrates her birthday today. We have spent the morning doing “seva” service. Most of us painted a railing that needed some TLC, while Rachel, Jessica, Aunty Jocelyn, Puji (from Bali) & I got to spend time entertaining and spending time with a Standard 1 (6 year olds) class. We taught them Barney’s song, “I love you, you love me, we are happy family. With a big fat hug and a kiss from me to you, wont you say you love me too?” Rachel got them to draw the Rainbow Serpent and we played some games. They also had the opportunity to see what YLP participants were up to. It was definitely Leadership in Service.

After lunch was the finale of the Youth Leadership Program. All in all it has been a motivating and inspirational event. Seeing so many youth from the entire SEAPac Region was exciting. Moving forward the future is looking brighter. We can be the change. We can be the leaders of the future. We are doing it.

A huge thank you to the organisers, especially Matthew and Sharon for their efforts. Thank you for allowing me to be part of this program and also giving a session on InterFaith Management and Logistical concepts.

We are being the change we want to see in the world. We are about building bridges, not creating oceans. This is a global community and we are global citizens.

Love, Light, Respect and Laughter

Jamel Kaur 

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