These two weeks have been tremendously tiring but nevertheless interesting and challenging for me. Part of it was about seeing democracy in action, whereas the other half was on learning and understanding  the political structure of UK’s decision and policy makers and examine closely how the structure and the civil society may influence each other in the course of their work. Not easy, I must say. So, this is the first part of that ie. Edinburgh  and the second part would be on
London.Our fourth week was dedicated to
Edinburgh. We visited the Scottish Parliament, a result of the
Scotland’s devolution from the Westminster Parliament. I digged these interesting papers for your read, here and here. The Parliament building is trendy with modern stylish structure but the most important aspect of the building is that it is very accessible-in terms of physical structure and concept. We went in to see the Petition Committee in sitting, where MSP/MPs devoted their time to listen and address petitions brought forth by the members of the public. Any kind of issues-roads, euthanasia, listed castles….well, we get to hear a handful of issues. Apparently, the Parliament is also made up of several Committees supervising various concerns- development, agriculture, human rights, law and many more. The good thing is that rather than being a two dimensional structure, made alive by the parliamentary debates only, the Parliament also seeks to make it relevant to the causes and problems of the people. It may also reduces bureaucracy that public might have to confront with government bodies. Another interesting feature of the Parliament is how it also promotes political education and awareness for the mass via campaigns and public activities. One example is the Festival of Politics which garnered wide interest not only from the people and political parties but also celebrities. Mainstreaming citizen politics could never be this refreshing if you ask me!After attending the Petition Committee’s session, we also get to see
Scotland’s First Minister (equivalent to a Prime Minister) in action in the Parliament, answering questions left and right from the other MSPs. Again, it was a demonstration of professionalism and wit. We stayed to the end before we are privileged to have the opportunity to meet the First Minister in person.  A visit to the Scottish Council of Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) was another interesting feature of the trip. An umbrella body that comprise of 25,000 voluntary organisations, SCVO is perhaps a very simple concept but with complicated task to undertake. We were briefed on several crucial issues that SCVO dealt with such as networking, funding, international cooperation and the works. Being an informal structure as opposed to a Scottish Voluntary Organisations Regulator, for instance, SCVO has to not only become accessible to local VOs in terms of network and membership but also be able to accommodate arising issues or communicate effectively with VOs in order to sustain its relevance and functions. Well, that’s how I see it, anyway. The challenge with setting up an umbrella structure is to me, about how the structure could create a level field for all organisations to access, cooperate or carry out their missions in the best interest of the society with the support of the umbrella structure and not so much about the personal gain either for the organisation or the umbrella structure. I know, I am finding it complicated too.Anyway, next week is
LONDON! (The Clash’s London Calling at the back playing real loud). Excitement Number 1:
London, you guys, enough said! Excitement Number 2: Getting to know other fellows- keyword: networking. Excitement Number 3:

Camden
Town! I can do body piercing! ops did I say that outloud? Oh, of course there’s excitement number four and the premiere of all excitements: The Westminster! Let’s see how well London goes next week…P/S- A note to Manic Street Preachers- could you please, please play your gig in April and not May???????