Internship Experience - Temasek Secondary School

What can a week beyond the classroom look like? For Anish and Jane, it meant exploring new technologies, connecting with passionate youths and discovering how empathy can shape meaningful action. From 16th to 20th March 2026, we welcomed Anish and Jane from Temasek Secondary School who joined our Young Changemaker Programme at Make The Change.

Their journey began with an introduction to Make The Change's Methodology and an empathy mapping activity with their fellow interns which led them to better understand and get to know each another. Through "A Day in Their Life" interview, the interns explored their peers' daily routines and interests before creating their empathy maps. For Anish, getting to know his fellow intern, Ian from Hwa Chong Institution, who revealed a shared interests with Anish in having a love for LEGO. It may be very simple but it is a meaningful starting point — where taking time to listen attentively could uncover connections that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Their first day also brought them with opportunities to experiment and explore with augmented reality (AR). Using tools such as AR Makr and Reality Composer, they experimented with bringing digital ideas into their surroundings. Jane created an "AR Zoo" featuring giant pandas and monkeys, adding a playful touch to the day's learning. The session gave them space to try something unfamiliar and discover new possibilities for creative expression.

Their learning soon extended to wider conversations about community and social change through Make The Change's Youth For Change Initiative, where we hosted workshop sessions. Across two sessions, Anish and Jane listened to guest speakers share their personal journeys and experiences in the social service sector, while connecting with other participants from different backgrounds. They also helped in setting up for the Youth For Change workshop space for both days, contributing to the work behind the scenes before joining the activities.

For Anish, the workshops offered a closer look at how different systems can influence the opportunities available to young people. He also explored how the JEDI Lens and empathy mapping could guide the development of ideas and solutions. Jane was particularly inspired by the guest speakers' courage and resilience, recognizing these as qualities she hoped to carry into her own journey as an inspiring changemaker. Their stories gave her fresh ideas about how she could contribute to the community.

Alongside these meaningful conversations, the interns worked on an empathy challenge focused on people returning to employment which they need to research a topic, organize their ideas and present their findings. The presentation became another opportunity to learn through practice — especially when they have to step into the shoes of the community group and build up an empathy map.

The week also introduced them to the detailed work that supports community engagement. Through an administrative task in organizing a database spreadsheet for around 400 social service agencies, categorizing organizations and adding information about their services, Anish and Jane gained practical experience in handling information while becoming more familiar with the range of organizations serving different community needs.

To end of their internship experience with us, Jane and Anish had an conversation with Make The Change's CEO, Michelle Lim. Anish described the discussion as insightful and he reflected a lot back on what he had learnt in just a week's time; while Jane expressed her appreciation for the guidance she received from Michelle, Pedro, Nabilah and Ashley throughout the whole internship journey.

Looking back, Jane described her time at Make The Change as short yet meaningful and memorable. Working with other passionate youths strengthend her motivation to stay involved in social innovation, and she hoped to share what she had learnt with her peers and fellow volunteers at Youth MedBridge Singapore.

Anish and Jane's week showed how much learning can happen when youths have the opportunity to participate, ask questions and contribute. We were honored to be part of their journey and we look forward to seeing how they bring these experiences into their next steps as young changemakers!