National Community Leadership Institute Celebrates 60 years of commitment to community leadership

National Community Leadership Institute looks ahead to empower future community leaders as it celebrates 60 years of commitment to community leadership

         The National Community Leadership Institute (NACLI) is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year, commemorating six decades of unwavering commitment to community development. Established in 1964 by the People’s Association (PA), NACLI has been instrumental in nurturing and empowering community leaders, equipping them with the skills to engage the community and foster social cohesion. As NACLI marks its 60^th anniversary, it will leverage PA’s rich community building experience and expand its efforts in capability development of future community leaders, including youths and leaders from civic societies, to support the community.   

2         In conjunction with NACLI’s 60^th Anniversary, NACLI will be launching two new leadership programmes, reaching other sectors of community, and empowering community leaders to drive positive impact in Singapore's diverse communities. In addition, a new community gallery is planned to open in August 2025 highlighting the nation’s journey in community building.   

Youth Leaders Collective

3         NACLI will be launching an inaugural youth leadership programme, titled the Youth Leaders Collective, to inspire and empower youth leaders to take individual and collective action towards building a shared future. NACLI's origins can be traced back to the establishment of the Buona Vista Youth Leadership Training Centre in 1964, underscoring the institute’s enduring dedication to youth training. This programme reaffirms PA’s and NACLI’s commitment to investing in the development of the future generation of leaders, empowering them to contribute to Singapore's advancement by fostering a deeper understanding of the Singapore narrative.

4       The 10-week programme aims to involve 50 youth leaders, aged 17 to 19, using their passion to champion causes they care about and strengthen their volunteer footprint in the community. Additionally, it will provide the youth leaders with an exclusive opportunity for an overseas Immersion Programme to expand their global perspectives and enhance their cross-cultural awareness.

Leadership in Community Programme

5       The Leadership in Community Programme, which will be launched in November 2024, aims to uplift the capabilities of grassroots and civic society leadership by equipping them with a comprehensive understanding of Singapore's social compact, PA's role in national unity, as well as essential skills and networks for effective community building.

6       Throughout the six-month long programme, participants will get to engage with distinguished guest speakers and thought leaders to gain broader perspectives on developments in the macro environment, international geopolitics, and understand their impact on the local community. They will also have the opportunity to experience a vibrant multicultural society through an overseas study trip, observing and participating firsthand in the local community engagement efforts at both the governmental and ground-up levels.

Community Gallery

7       The new community gallery showcases the nation’s journey in community building. It aims to inspire and educate the future generation of leaders, instilling in them a deep appreciation for the power of community engagement and the possibilities of future in community building, encouraging individuals to make a difference in their own capacity, and contributing to a renewed social compact.

8       The initiatives will be announced by Mr Edwin Tong, Minister for Culture, Community and Youth, Second Minister for Law, and Deputy Chairman of People’s Association at NACLI’s 60^th anniversary conference and learning festival on Saturday, 28 September 2024, at the NACLI campus. This milestone event will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and a series of engaging workshops to inspire and equip community leaders and stakeholders with the knowledge and skills necessary to drive positive change in their respective communities.