It takes a village

This National Day, ask what you can do for your country.

I RECENTLY once again came across this thought- provoking African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child”. It took me back to my kampung days when neighbours were comfortable with one another, looking out for one another, with shared family values.

Why has the scenario changed? Progress is what has changed the face of the neighbourhood in developed areas. There was a time when we had no fences and walls between the homes. You could just call out to or hand some snacks to one another. We were quite free from distractions brought about by the countless products of modern technology, free from distrust due to increasing crime and corruption, and had none of the unrest created by extremists.

But we shouldn’t give up on the concept of a village helping to raise a child. It starts with a good family, a good neighbour. Then we reach out further to co- operate where simple help is needed. Co- operation can turn out to be more valuable than competition. We can build a supportive community that tries to solve common problems together.

Some communities already have a good start with their rukun tetangga ( neighbourhood watch) while others have created a bond through their tai chi groups or walks together. An old friend related to me how grateful she was to be able to ring for help one day when she was alone at home and suddenly felt faint. Her immediate neighbours were out at work and the one she contacted was a “fellow walker” who lived one block away and was able to promptly take her to a nearby clinic.

I have been blessed with having had good neighbours in the many neighbourhoods I had moved into, in different states in the country. We enjoyed a caring and sharing spirit that enhanced the meaning of a home. So, to all my past and present neighbours, thank you for being you.

Remember the famous words of John F. Kennedy? “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” In the same spirit, I appeal to all Malaysians to extend the word “country” to “family, school, community” and step by step, with conscience and commitment, with grit and grace, we should be able to make our country greater than what it is today.

It does begin with a village, from humble beginnings of mutual respect for all, and the care we extend to one another as part of one family, to realise the dream of lasting peace and unity. May we always proudly celebrate our National Day and Malaysia Day!