This was my winning idea for the Shell-YQ Essay Writing Competition 2003.
Can you imagine a neighbourhood which produces its own newsletters? These newsletters will inform all those in the area about the goings on and latest development that is happening in a district. Teens can be involved in producing this newsletter.
Then they will inform the neighbourhood about the latest happenings --of activities security, people stories and other things or issues that neighbours want to talk about or share, workshop, etc.
For instance, in sports, the newsletter can help with the announcement that the area needs a football or hockey team of its own to compete with the other neighbourhood team.
Then those who are interested could join. As we know, sports is an effective activity that cuts across culture and race.
If there is a person who's good at cooking in the area, you could 'discover' her via the newsletter. Then a cooking class could be held, that could bring women of all races together. A tools or do-it-yourself workshop ala the Home Improvement programme, could get the men together. While all this interaction --mingling and socialising -- is taking place, people will naturally get to know each other better, the different cultures, etc.
Everyone -- children, teens and adults -- will have a good time, irrespective of race. And new friendship will be forged.
The newsletter could also highlight some cultural events or special days which the different races celebrate and what they mean to them.
Besides that, this newsletter can also publish some articles of the different cultures of the community. All the neighbourhood programmes will be listed so that people will have information about the coming events.
To kick things off, the idea could be initiated in schools where publishing of newsletters could be a co-curriculum activity. Then you could get a team of writers, sub-editors and editor from your neighbourhood to help put together the newsletter.
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