4 Additonal Clusters Considered for Possible IGP Launch

At the end of a recent retreat held in Ranchan Pool Resort, about 70 km from the state capital Kuching, four additonal clusters have been considered for possible launching of Intensive Programme of Growth (IGP).

Presently, there are only two clusters which have launched IGP, namely, Kuching and Miri clusters, which started their first cycle of growth in March and April this year, respectively. Both clusters are now nearing the end of their first cycle and will soon be preparing for the launching of their respective second cycle.

The retreat, attended by Counsellor George Soraya, 8 NSA members, 4 Auxiliary Board members and the National Institute coordinator, was held on the weekend of 2 – 3 July 2005. Its purpose was to review the status of growth in the various clusters and to focus the attention of the friends on the direction and priority for the remaining months of the 5 Year Plan, which will end in April next year.

The retreat started after lunch on 2 July with a study of the Ridvan 2005 messages. This was followed by the Counsellor sharing with the participants extracts from the various messages of the International Teaching Centre pertaining to the dynamics of intensive programme of growth in a cluster.

The first day ended with the review and analysis of the IGP experiences for the Miri cluster, and the plan of action for the remaining period of its first cycle of growth as well as for the next.

The next day started with the same review and analysis and plan of action for the Kuching cluster. Thereafter, discussion centered on the clusters with potential to launch IGP before the end of the 5 Year Plan. The outcome of the discussion was the selection of four additonal clusters as potential candidates for the launching of IGP, namely, Lundu, Bintulu, Serian and Sibu.

After much discussion, which commenced right after a simple lunch, a plan of action was finalised with a time schedule prepared, giving the dates and venues to meet and consult with members of the various institutions (both elected and appointed) in the selected clusters on the possible launching of IGP in their respective clusters before the end of the 5 Year Plan.

The retreat ended around 4pm with everyone in high spirit in having better understood the dynamics of intensive growth in a cluster and in anticipation that the proposed IGP launch will be well received and considered by the four selected clusters, thereby, bringing the community of the Greatest Name to the next stage of growth in Sarawak.