Entering the years from 2016 to 2021, neighbourhood-based efforts in Singapore became the focus and a deeper understanding of the intent and purpose of the educational programmes and activities emerged. Children’s classes, youth gatherings, home visits, devotional spaces, and study circles became more regular and sustained, when understood as means to effect social transformation and to nurture community spirit through forming genuine relations and mutual support between neighbours and families. This period also included two significant bicentenary commemorations that brought together families, friends, neighbours, grassroots organisations and social actors in reflecting on the implication of the appearance of Divine Messengers to the life of humanity. This period is marked by joy, artistic creativity, systematic growth, experience gained, reflection, and increasing confidence and capacities of individuals, neighbourhood groups and institutions to contribute to the collective well-being of society. 

Building on the previous two decades of experience in neighbourhood-based community-building, individuals and families became more confident and adept to gather in homes and shared spaces engaging in meaningful conversations that serve to strengthen relationships, to initiate and sustain the moral and spiritual education of children and teens, and in creating supportive environments where consultation and service to others became natural patterns of daily community life.

The crystallisation of the following activities and educational programmes serve to strengthen the foundation and pattern of community life. They offer an inclusive and expansive means for people to explore shared values and aspirations and support one another in strengthening the social fabric of their neighbourhoods.

The framework of the community-building activities fostered relationships and capacities in individuals, neighbourhood teams and the institutions of the Faith to progressively refine their ability to read the social circumstances and reality of their respective neighbourhoods, to map out the network of families and local resources, to identify challenges and opportunities, to allow for and welcome more residents to contribute and take ownership of the community-building activities, to be able to reflect and consult on the effectiveness of the action taken, and to provide mutual support and accompaniment in the collective endeavours undertaken.

As the number of activities and participants increased, residents and neighbourhood teams, in collaboration with the institutions and agencies of the Faith, naturally took ownership and responsibility for planning and supporting the neighbourhood initiatives. Such planning and reflection took place once every cycle of three months, thus forming a pattern of action in the community – to reflect and learn together, study and plan, and empower individuals into action.

During this period, with an awareness of the necessity to contribute to the prevalent discourses at the national level, the Office of External Affairs started to take shape. The Office participates in the ongoing national conversations on social cohesion, the constructive role of religion in society, gender equality, and the building of cohesive communities.

By contributing the insights gained and experiences of the Bahá’í community in collaborative dialogue and in public forums, the Bahá’í community sought to offer perspectives based on action, learn from each other’s experiences, and build partnership with social actors engaged in advancing Singapore’s civic life. 

The two bicentenary celebrations marked a significant shift in how we viewed and commemorated religious anniversaries – to highlight the role and purpose of religion in the upliftment of humanity, and as a means for the fulfilment of humanity’s collective aspirations.

As a result of this shift in perspectives and how the community talked about the Persons of Bahá’u’lláh and the Báb and Their Missions, it helped to transcend pre-conceived notions of religion and prejudices. Nearly 2,000 people took part in local and national commemorations of the bicentenary of the Birth of Bahá’u’lláh, and more than 1,000 participants joined neighbourhood commemorations of the bicentenary of the Birth of the Báb. These events also celebrated our common humanity, the rich tapestry of the diversity of the human race, hope for the future, and reminded us of our collective responsibility and belonging.

This period affirmed a simple, enduring truth:

Meaningful change and sustainable efforts begin close to home in meaningful and heartfelt conversations with neighbours, in the encouragement and creation of supportive environments for children and youth, in inclusive and empowering gatherings every soul feels welcome. 

The Bahá’í community in Singapore continues its endeavours of learning, reflecting on action, and working alongside those who share the desire to nurture hope, create unity, and contribute to the well-being of society.