Neighbours Who Lead

The Community Enabler Fellowship began in 2014 as a learning journey for residents who care deeply about their neighbourhoods. Through the fellowship, neighbours come together to explore what it means to take the lead — to listen, connect, and act on issues that matter to their community.

Grounded in Beyond’s community development approach, the fellowship nurtures leadership that grows from lived experience. Fellows learn to work alongside others, identify shared aspirations, and turn ideas into action — whether that’s starting a food-sharing initiative, organising activities for children, or building networks of mutual support.

At its heart, the fellowship isn’t about producing “leaders” — it’s about recognising that leadership already exists in our communities. Every fellow brings their own strengths, relationships, and hopes for a better neighbourhood. By journeying together, they learn that change doesn’t have to start big — it just has to start together.

Through the Fellowship, residents:
• Build confidence to initiate and lead community efforts
• Learn practical skills in facilitation, teamwork, and reflection
• Connect with peers and mentors who share a spirit of care
• Strengthen networks of support within and beyond their neighbourhoods

Why It Matters

When residents take the lead, communities grow stronger and more resilient. The Community Enabler Fellowship helps make that possible — one conversation, one connection, and one act of care at a time. One such project is “Makcik Kaypoh”

Creating Safe Spaces for Children – Makcik Kaypoh 

Community Fellows Ms Rahimah, 56, and Ms Sumarsih, 50s, affectionately known as “Makcik Kaypoh”, are well-known figures in their neighbourhood. Their nickname, once a teasing remark, has become a badge of honour for their deep care and concern for children who often roam the neighbourhood after school.

Over the past year, and following months of training and mentorship through Beyond’s Community Fellowship Programme, the two women have taken bold steps to better understand and strengthen the neighbourhood they call home. With support from volunteers, they led a door-knocking initiative across four rental housing blocks, connecting with 163 households to listen to parents’ and children’s hopes, concerns, and dreams.

Sumarsih (seated, far left) and Rahimah (seated next to her) share a meal with staff, interns, and another team of Community Fellows, Erah and Normah from Project Parenthood in the North Bridge Community.

What began as a simple check-in grew into something much deeper. Their conversations revealed the realities of overcrowded homes, the pressures young parents face, and a shared longing for safer, more welcoming spaces for children. With their natural warmth and persistence, they’ve built bridges where trust was once tentative.