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SYNTHESIS, EVALUATION AND CLOSING:

The last two days of the Programme was spent in an effort to tie up the inputs and the learning processes obtained thus far. It was more a sharing of the Increased level of understanding of the Asian situation rather than trying to evolve a statement on the

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understanding of the Asian realities. Some of the common strands in this process clearly demonstrated a systematic understanding on the part of the participants of the complex functions of Asian societies. This session was merely a culmination of various discussions that followed every presentation.

During the evaluation session, some participants expressed the need for longer periods of exposures to the urban and rural situations with a more systematic theoretical input. Others were of the opinion that the Programme leaned very heavily on the spoken word, and that more materials should be distributed for background reading prior to the programme proper. All of them admitted to having gained valuable insights into the social, political and economic reality of the region and they felt they have maximised their time and opportunity. As one participant put it, "I learned in three weeks than all that my university education could have taught me in four years."

The closing worship was led by Rev. Dave Rodriguez at the SCC Chapel. Reflecting on the theme of the WSCF "Come, let us rise up and build together", he called upon all participants to strengthen their work in the national movements by seeking allies in the struggle.