Internship Experience - Raffles Institution and Nanyang Junior College

(From left to right: Jing Jing, Chevelle)

Earlier this January, we had the pleasure of welcoming two bright student leaders — Chevelle from Nanyang Junior College and Jing Jing from Raffles Institution — for a one week internship under our Young Changemaker Programme. Though their time with us was brief, they dove headfirst into hands-on projects, demonstrating incredible initiative, creativity, and a genuine passion for social impact.

During their week at Make The Change, Chevelle and Jing Jing collaborated closely to create engaging visual content for our Digital Arts For All (DAFA) programme. Tasked with designing thank-you cards around the core themes of "being kind, being smart, and being safe" both interns explored how thoughtful design and intentional digital messaging can positively influence online culture.

To dive deeper into inclusive solutioning, the pair participated in an empathy mapping exercise focused on the employment challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs). Putting creative problem-solving into action, Chevelle proposed "The Empowered Zone" — s centralized portal concept designed to help employers cultivate more inclusive and accessible workplaces.

Elevating Youth Voices Beyond design work, both interns played a key role behind the scenes of our flagship New Media Youth Competition, which spans across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions:

• Jing Jing evaluated entries across various categories, assessing submissions for creativity, relevance, and overall quality. This evaluation process allowed her to identify standout ideas while sharpening her eye for real-world industry standards.
  

• Chevelle took charge of collating and moderating entries for the Podcast segment across Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary levels — ensuring every entry met the submission guidelines while upholding fairness and consistency throughout the review process.

Jing Jing’s Reflection

“One of the most valuable lessons from this experience was learning to interact respectfully and non-judgmentally with individuals whose worldviews differ from my own – a skill that is essential not only in the workplace but also in society. While slightly regretful that I am unable to extend my stay, I am fulfilled by the insights gained and inspired to continue driving positive change within my community.”

Chevelle’s Reflection 

“I learnt how to confidently pitch an idea around a social issue, bringing my idea, The Empowered Zone, to life. Interacting with my fellow interns was also eye-opening, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to write articles for MTC, as it allows me to pursue a passion I deeply care about while making a meaningful impact.”

Chevelle and Jing Jing's journey shows how small, intentional actions can spark meaningful social impact. Through their enthusiasm and dedication, both interns proved that age is no barrier when it comes to advocating for inclusive communities. We are proud to have been a part of their Changemaker journey, and we look forward to inspiring more curious, driven youths to lead positive change with us at Make The Change!