For many youths, an internship is like a first glimpse into working life. It is an opportunity to explore interests, meet new people and discover how classroom learning translates into practice. At the same time, it can also raise bigger questions: "What am I good at? What kind of work matters to me? How can I contribute more? " Group photo of our interns at a "Map Of You" Workshop alongside with guest speaker - Ms Brenda, and our CEO - Michelle Lim. At Make The Change (MTC), our Young Changemaker Internship Programme offers opportunities to explore these questions through work that connects creativity, learning and community impact. From supporting programmes to developing content, youths can discover how their contributions fit into the wider purpose of a social enterprise. One of the most valuable parts of an internship is the chance to learn by doing. A tasks that seems straightforward, such as drafting a social media caption or preparing workshop materials, involves decisions about audience, purpose and communication. "Who are we trying to reach? What do they need to understand? How can we make the message clearer?" Through practice and feedback, interns begin to approach their work with greater care and intention. Depending on their strengths and interest, interns at MTC may contribute to content creation, research, programme preparation or administrative support. These experiences introduces them to different aspects of working life while helping them build practical skills. They would also get an insight on the planning and coordination behind our community programmes — the work that often happens before participants enter the room. Working within a social enterprise adds another dimension to this experience. Interns have the opportunity to see how professional skills can support a social purpose. Communication can help more people discover a learning opportunity. Thoughtful programme preparation can support a better participant experience. Organized information can help a team review its work and plan its next steps. Understanding these connections help youths recognize the value of their everyday contributions. An internship also creates space to develop empathy. When preparing content or supporting activities for different audiences, youths are encouraged to consider perspectives beyond their own. What might someone find difficult to understand? What would help them feel included? What assumptions should we question? Learning to ask these questions supports more thoughtful decisions, both in the workplace and in daily life. A collage on how our interns are involved in our operations and programmes at Make The Change! Along the way, interns practice skills that are useful across many pathways. They learn to clarify instructions, manage their time, communicate progress and respond to feedback. They may need to revise an idea, solve an unfamiliar problem or ask for help. These moments can feel challenging at first, but they give youths opportunities to build confidence through experience. That confidence does not depend on getting everything right immediately. It grows when an intern understands a task more clearly, improves a piece of work after feedback or after they feel ready to share an idea. With guidance and opportunities to take responsibility, youths can become more comfortable in contributing while they finally recognize that learning is an ongoing process. Exposure to different tasks can also help youths understand themselves better. Some may discover an interest in visual storytelling or public communications. Others may enjoy organizing information, supporting programmes or interacting with participants. Even finding out that a particular task is less suited to them can be useful. These experiences give youths a more informed starting point for future education and career decisions. Reflection helps bring these lessons together. Looking back at what they tried, what challenged them and what they would do differently allows interns to recognize progress that might otherwise go unnoticed. Beyond the work they complete, they leave with examples of how they have adapted, collaborated and contributed — experiences that they can draw on in their next chapter. At Make The Change, the value of an internship lies in the connection between personal growth and purposeful work. Youths have opportunities to develop their abilities while learning how those abilities can serve others. They do not need to arrive with every skills mastered or a clear career plan. Curiosity, willingness to learn, and openness to feedback are meaningful places to begin. For youths who are exploring their next step, an internship can offer more than something to add to a resume and portfolio. It can be a chance to discover new interests, build confidence and understand the contribution they are capable of making. Interested in learning and growing with Make The Change? Get in touch with us to find out about the internship opportunities and how you or your students can be a part of our work!

Empowering Young Creators. Inspiring Digital Storytellers. What if your students could transform their ideas into powerful stories, create amazing digital content, explore artificial intelligence, and use technology to make a positive impact? The Apple New Media Programme is back for 2027, and school registrations are officially OPEN! At Make The Change, we believe every student has the potential to be a creator, storyteller, and changemaker. Through exciting, hands-on learning experiences using Apple technology, our programme empowers primary and secondary school students to explore their creativity, develop future-ready skills, and bring their ideas to life. Less watching. More creating. More opportunities for students to shine. 🌟 Apple New Media for Primary Schools Big Ideas Start With Young Creators! Every child has a wonderful imagination. The Apple New Media Programme helps students turn that imagination into something they can see, hear, and share. Our Primary School programmes introduce students to digital creativity through playful, engaging, and age-appropriate activities. 🎨 Digital Creators: Photo, Video, AI & AR Explore. Imagine. Create. Students discover the exciting possibilities of digital media creation through photography, filmmaking, visual storytelling, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality. From capturing creative photographs to producing their own videos and exploring interactive media, young learners develop confidence through hands-on activities. Students will explore: Creative photography and visual storytelling Video production and basic editing AI-assisted creativity and responsible digital exploration Augmented reality and interactive media Sharing ideas through creative digital projects 🎤 Young Voices: Digital Storytelling Every Young Voice Matters! Great stories can inspire, connect, and make a difference. In Young Voices, students develop the confidence to express themselves through digital storytelling, audio, and multimedia creation. They learn how to communicate ideas, share their perspectives, and create content that gives their stories a voice. Students will explore: Story development and creative expression Communication and presentation skills Audio and multimedia storytelling Collaborative content creation Sharing stories that matter to them Primary School Teachers: Bring Creativity Into Your Classroom! Allow your students to explore technology, express their imagination and discover the joy of creating. 👉 Register Your Primary School for Apple New Media 2027 🚀 Apple New Media for Secondary Schools From Digital Consumers to Creative Changemakers! Today's teenagers are growing up surrounded by digital content, social media, and artificial intelligence. But what if we could inspire them to move beyond simply consuming content and empower them to create it? Our Secondary School programmes challenge students to think critically, collaborate creatively and use emerging technologies to tell meaningful stories. 🤖 1. Generative Media Studio Where Human Creativity Meets Artificial Intelligence Students explore how generative AI can support the creative process, from brainstorming original concepts to developing compelling digital media. They learn to combine creative thinking with AI tools, while considering responsible and ethical technology use. 🎬 2. Smart Video & Mobile Journalism Capture Stories. Share Perspectives. Make an Impact. Students step into the role of mobile journalists, learning how to research, plan, film, and edit engaging video stories. Through practical filmmaking activities, they develop storytelling, communication, and media literacy skills. 🎙️ 3. Intelligent Audio & Voice Your Voice. Your Story. Your Impact. Students discover the power of audio storytelling through podcasts, interviews, sound design and digital audio production. Using creative audio tools, they learn how to craft stories that inform, inspire, and connect with listeners. 🌐 4. AR-Infused Media Design Where Imagination Meets the Real World Students explore augmented reality and interactive media design, creating experiences that connect digital storytelling with the physical world. They experiment with visual communication, design thinking, and creative technology to bring new ideas to life. Secondary School Teachers: Empower the Next Generation of Digital Creators! Equip your students with the confidence, creativity, and digital skills to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world. 👉 Register Your Secondary School for Apple New Media 2027 🍎 Creative Learning, Powered by Apple Across both Primary and Secondary School programmes, students experience the possibilities of Apple technology through practical, project-based learning. Depending on the programme, students will explore creative applications such as Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand, Freeform, and other digital media tools. Where appropriate, AI tools may support brainstorming and creative exploration, with responsible use and teacher guidance at the centre of the learning experience. But the technology is only the beginning. The real magic happens when students discover what they can create. Why Bring Apple New Media to Your School? The programme is designed to complement classroom learning while giving students opportunities to: Think Creatively: Explore new ideas, experiment, and develop original content. Communicate Confidently: Share stories, perspectives, and ideas through different media formats. Collaborate Meaningfully: Work together to bring creative projects to life. Develop Digital Literacy: Understand how digital tools and emerging technologies can be used responsibly. Create With Purpose: Use storytelling and creativity to explore issues that matter to them. Every session is designed around active participation, discovery, and creativity. Because we believe students learn best when they are encouraged to create, not just consume. 📣 Registrations Are Now Open for 2027! Are you ready to unlock your students' creative potential? We invite Primary and Secondary School teachers across Singapore to register their interest in the Apple New Media Programme 2027. Simply click the registration button for your school level to email our team. Our team will follow up with more information about the programme options and next steps. Let's make 2027 a year of creativity, innovation, and meaningful student voices! Make The Change Empowering and Transforming Communities Through Design and Education.

How do we create something that truly helps others? For Abigail from Anderson Secondary School, her week at Make The Change offered a chance to explore this question through conversations, teamwork and a closer look at the experiences of people around her and the community. From 16 to 20 March 2026, we welcomed Abigail for a one-week internship experience at Make The Change as part of the Young Changemaker Programme. Stepping into a week of community research, creative learning and new connections, Abigail's journey began with an introduction of how a social enterprise like MTC operates and went straight into an empathy-mapping activity with her fellow intern peers. Abigail worked with her teammates to research the challenges faced by people returning to the workforce. The topic held a personal connection for the group, as there were members who shared their mothers' experiences of finding employment after taking time away to care for their children. These stories encouraged the team to explore an issue they felt was not often discussed. Together, they developed and presented their findings, considering the circumstances and needs of workforce returnees. Abigail took pride in their research and presentation, while also appreciating the friendships formed through working towards a shared goal. The experience reinforced her understanding that meaningful solutions begin with the perspectives of the people they aim to support. During the week, Abigail also participated in Make The Change's Youth For Change Workshop, helping with our venue preparation and participating in the group discussions. She exchanged thoughts and views with other participants on building an empathetic society and explored questions around equality, equity and fairness in education. Through these conversations and a small-group interaction with Make The Change's founder, our CEO — Michelle Lim, Abigail encountered different perspectives on community issues and purposeful work. She reflected on the importance of pursuing opportunities that align with her values and remaining open to viewpoints beyond her own. Alongside these activities and task, Abigail supported our task research on social service organizations in Singapore for future outreach and helped identify potential guests for our Conversations of Change Podcast. These assignments offered a glimpse into the research and preparation that support Make The Change's community engagement and outreach efforts. Abigail's Reflection " Despite it being just a week of experiencing internship with MTC, I believe that it was immensely beneficial to me and the knowledge gained will be imparted onto me for a long time to come. With such insightful sharing and research assignments, I've learnt that we should not be afraid to take risks, and to follow our hearts in doing things that are actually meaningful to us and meeting our values, to not simply be blinded by monetary gains. I've met so many diverse people from the YFC workshops, and my perspectives on things have been widen." Looking back, Abigail's strongest takeaway was the importance of understanding people before creating solutions for them. An idea may be well intended, but it can still miss the mark if it overlooks someone's circumstances, needs or perspective. We are glad to have been part of Abigail's learning journey. Across the five days with us, Abigail made new connections, explored less familiar social issues and reflected on what purposeful work means to her. We hope she carries this curiosity forward, continuing to listen closely, question assumptions and discover how she can contribute to the communities around her in the future!

From an idea to a box ready for classrooms, we're excited to take the next step in our journey towards building a more inclusive Singapore. We are excited to share a milestone at Make The Change: our Empathy Boxes are ready and will soon be making their way to schools across Singapore! Over the past few weeks, our team has been working to bring this initiative to life, from developing the learning activities and designing the resources to preparing and assembling the boxes. Now, seeing everything come together is a special moment for all of us. And while the boxes are ready to go, the most meaningful part of this journey is only just beginning. A Small Box With a Bigger Purpose Developed in support of The Purple Parade movement, the Empathy Box is a ready-to-run Accessibility and Inclusivity Booth designed to help students explore disability awareness, accessibility and assistive technology through interactive activities. Through five areas of accessibility, Vision, Hearing, Speech, Mobility and Cognitive, students are encouraged to explore everyday barriers and discover how thoughtful design, accessible environments and technology can support inclusion. We believe that inclusion is not something students should only read about. It is something they should have opportunities to explore, discuss and put into practice.The Empathy Box provides schools with a practical starting point for these conversations. From Planning to Packing: A Team Effort Behind every Empathy Box is a team of people who believe in what this initiative represents. From the first conversations and brainstorming sessions to activity development, illustration, design, preparation and packing, many hands have contributed to making this project possible. We want to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Make The Change who has been involved in bringing the Empathy Box to life. Every contribution matters. Whether you helped develop the educational experience, prepare the materials, coordinate with schools, or carefully assemble each box, you have helped turn an idea into something that can create meaningful learning experiences for students. Projects like this remind us why we do what we do. At Make The Change, our purpose is Empowering and Transforming Communities Through Design and Education. The Empathy Box is one example of how creativity, education and teamwork can come together to support that purpose. To our team, thank you for your commitment, creativity and hard work. We look forward to seeing the impact these boxes can create. Getting Ready to Reach Schools With the boxes prepared, we are now getting ready to send them to participating schools. Each Empathy Box includes activity resources, facilitation guidance and hands-on materials to help teachers, Special Needs Officers and parent volunteers create interactive accessibility experiences for students. Schools can organise activities during recess, lunchtime, Values in Action programmes, school carnivals or other school-wide initiatives. Our hope is that these activities will encourage students to ask questions, challenge assumptions and think more deeply about how everyone can contribute to a more inclusive community. Because the real value of the Empathy Box is not simply what is inside. It is the conversations, reflections and actions that happen when students begin exploring accessibility from different perspectives. We are looking forward to hearing the stories and experiences that emerge as schools begin using their boxes. Schools, There Is Still Time to Join Us! The response from schools has been encouraging, and we are grateful to those who have already registered their interest. The good news is that we still have Empathy Boxes available for more schools! If your school is interested in bringing accessibility and inclusion education to students through a practical, hands-on experience, we warmly invite you to join this initiative. You do not need a specialised team to run the activities. The resources are designed to support school staff and volunteers, and registered schools are invited to a briefing to help them get started. Register Your School Today! We would love to see more schools take part in this meaningful initiative. Register your school for the Empathy Box The Boxes are available in limited quantities, so we encourage interested schools to register while they are still available. Together, Let's Build a More Inclusive Generation As we prepare to send the Empathy Boxes out, we are reminded that meaningful social impact often begins with a simple idea and people who are willing to work together to make it happen. We hope each box will inspire students to be more curious, more thoughtful and more aware of the different ways people experience the world. To our team, our participating schools and everyone who has supported this initiative, thank you for being part of this journey. The boxes are ready. Now, let the conversations about inclusion begin! 💜 The Empathy Box is a Make The Change social impact initiative developed in support of The Purple Parade movement.

Some of the most memorable holiday experiences begin with trying something unfamiliar. It could be speaking to someone whose story changes your perspective, discovering a creative skill you never knew you had, or sharing an idea and realizing that it could become something more. The school holidays offer space to students today to explore these possibilities. Alongside rest, spending time with friends and your favorite activities, there is always room for experiences that spark curiosity and help you discover what matters to you. At Make The Change, our internship experiences, learning programmes and camps give youths opportunities to explore their interests, connect with communities and put their ideas into practice. Finding Your Interests Through Experience "What do you want to do in the future?" can be a difficult question to answer when you are still discovering what you enjoy. Experiences can make that question easier to explore. Working on a creative project might reveal an interest in design or storytelling. Helping to facilitate an activity could spark an enthusiasm for community work. meeting people in a social enterprise might introduce you to a career you had never considered. Depending on the programme, Make The Change's learning opportunities introduce youths to different aspects of creativity, collaboration and community engagement. They offer a chance to ask questions, try unfamiliar tasks and reflect on what feels meaningful. You do not need a clear career plan to begin. Sometimes, finding out what interests you starts with simply giving something a try. A Learning Experience That Stays With You There is something different about encountering an issue beyond a textbook or classroom discussion. Listening to someone share their experience can make a social challenge feel more personal. Seeing an organization at work can reveal the thought, effort and collaboration behind its impact. These experiences encourage young people to look more closely at the world around them. Who ight be overlooked? What does a community need? How could an idea respond to that need? Through practical activities and reflection, youths have opportunities to connect what they learn with what they see — and consider how can they contribute or give back. Confidence Grows Through Participation Confidence often develops in small moments — asking a question, explaining an idea to a teammate or speaking in front of a group for the first time. A project gives young people a reason to practice these skills. They learn to listen when opinions differ, adjust their approach when something does not work and use feedback to improve they have created. The process can be just as valuable as the final outcome. It helps youths recognize that they can contribute even while they are still learning. For parents and guardians, a meaningful holiday programme can offer an opportunity for their child to practice independence and responsibility, meet new friends and explore interests outside their usual routine. For youths, it is a chance to discover what they are capable of in a different setting. Bring Your Curiosity to Our Young Changemaker Camp This November! This November 2026, Make The Change's Young Changemaker Camp is bringing creativity, community learning and teamwork together in a three-day experience! Participants will explore social entrepreneurship through visits to Dignity Kitchen and Edible Garden City, discovering how enterprises respond to issues such as inclusive employment and local food sustainability. Participants will also practice interview skills, active listening and video storytelling while working with peers to develop and pitching a social enterprise idea. These activities invite participants to move from asking questions to imagining possibilities — and finding ways to communicate them! Whether you are curious about entrepreneurship, enjoy creating content or want to understand how people make a difference in their communities, the camp offers the opportunity for you to begin with! A meaningful holiday does not need to answer every question about your future. It can leave you with a new interest, a different perspective or the confidence to take your next step. Give your curiosity a chance this November, and join the Young Changemaker Camp! Take your first steps towards turning ideas into impact!

Lea interacting with our senior participants at a Digital Drawing Workshop. When Lea traveled all the way from Switzerland to join Make The Change (MTC) in Singapore for a month of overseas internship experience, she stepped right into a vibrant world where creativity, digital tech, and community impact meet head-on. From 9 March to 4 April 2026, Lea immersed herself in everything Make The Change and our Young Changemaker Programme had to offer, discovering firsthand that making a positive difference in society takes many shapes, styles, and skills! 🌟💡🌱 The next day after she landed in Singapore, Lea jumped straight into real-world projects from her very first week. She kicked things off by diving deep into empathy mapping and design thinking challenges, learning how to walk in the shoes of diverse communities to craft meaningful social initiatives, alongside with her intern friend — Rithika from Singapore Polytechnic. From left to right: Lea, Rithika (Singapore Polytechnic) Working together, Lea and Rithika found out more about the visually impaired community and learnt about what is the social needs and the kind of challenges the community face by using an empathy map. In their presentation findings, they proposed a solution where advanced technology digital application development was involved. The task of understanding a marginalized community gave them the opportunity to organize thoughts, communicate ideas and truly understand why empathy plays an important role in today's society. An internship experience at Make The Change is never confined to just the four walls inside offices, Lea also had the opportunity to take her learning out into the different communities in Singapore. In her first week with us, Lea supported our Digital Drawing Workshop for seniors at Goodlife Studio by Montfort Care at Tiong Bahru. Lea and Rithika guiding and supporting senior participants in using Procreate as a Digital Drawing Tool. Before being deployed as a facilitator and supporter, Lea was introduced to the basics of Procreate and the basic features such as the different brushes, the quick shape tool, and how to draw on different layers. Working directly with the seniors encouraged Lea to develop patience, communicate instructions clearly and adjust her support according to each participant's learning pace. More than simply just teaching them how to use a digital tool, the digital drawing workshop showed Lea how technology and creativity can create opportunities for seniors to learn, express their creativity digitally and connect with others. Lea shared that "It was a very fun and memorable experience to be able to interact with the seniors and seeing how they enjoyed themselves during the workshop makes her feel happy and satisfied!". Despite that Lea may not have much experience in working with senior communities, she showcased good interpersonal skills and was able to confidently guide our senior participants in accomplish their digital artworks! From left to right: Garina (Intern at MTC), Ashley (Staff at MTC), Lea Additionally, Lea also helped facilitate a Cyberwellness and Videography programme at Children's Wishing Well @ Bukit Merah Community Hub for primary-school leveled children. She guided our participants with patience in coming up with their storyboard and video-making on the topic of cyberwellness using iMovie. Besides Montfort Care and Children's Wishing Well , Lea also had the opportunity to assist and facilitate in our learning programmes in local secondary schools such as Bukit Merah Secondary School and Canberra Secondary School — where she supported students in our digital media literacy, photography and videography and changemaking workshops. Apart from our on-site programmes and visits, Lea also brought her creative flair to the table by designing guest speaker EDM posters and presentation slides, turning key ideas into eye-catching digital content. The poster assignment involved bringing together the different speaker backgrounds, our event information and an invitation for youths to participate in our Youth For Change (YFC) Workshop earlier this March 2026. It offered Lea an opportunity to think about how design and media communications work together to establish a clear message that is engaging and relevant to its audience. Guest Speaker EDM Poster Designs made by Lea and Rithika. Lea also became involved in the practical preparation behind our learning programmes. She helped set up workshop logistics and supported administrative tasks in our Apple New Media Programme. Her tasks included creating final-report Padlets, organizing our admin databases and folders for secondary schools in Singapore. These responsibilities gave her a closer look at the coordination needed to keep information accessible and support the team's day-to-day work. A major highlight of Lea's internship was also her hands-on involvement with our Youth For Change (YFC) Workshop, where she stepped into the role of a workshop facilitator and mentor. Over multiple sessions, Lea worked with other youth participants as they brainstormed, developed, and refined their own ground-up social initiatives. She brought positive energy to the room — guiding students through brainstorming sessions, helping them translate bold ideas into clear project plans, and encouraging them to think critically about community impact. For Lea, guiding these young minds through the innovation process wasn't just about sharing design thinking tools, it was a rewarding, two-way learning experience that highlighted the power of youth-driven social change. Watching the youths grow in confidence and presenting their final proposed ideas during the workshop was an unforgettable milestone that truly captured the heart of Make The Change's mission. Group Photo of the Youth For Change Workshop with our participants and guest speakers -- Adeline & Imran. Looking back on her time in Singapore, Lea shared a heartfelt reflection on her journey: "I am grateful for my internship journey at MTC . I was able to be involved in many experiences, interacting with different communities. It was definitely an eye-opening experience for me, especially when this is my first time interning abroad from Switzerland. The MTC team -- Ashley, Nabilah and Pedro, was very friendly and helpful in accommodating my needs and expectations for this oversea internship experience. Not only that I was able to explore Singapore and visited many landmarks, I truly appreciated my time with MTC and gained insights in making positive change! " Looking back on her internship journey, Lea expressed appreciation for her time at MTC nad the chance to experience many different areas of work. That sense of discovery ran throughout her journey, as she explored unfamiliar activities and took part in learning experiences alongside different communities. Thank you, Lea, for joining us and contributing to our work! It was a pleasure to have you as a part of our team, and we hope your time in Singapore leaves you with meaningful memories, fresh perspectives and inspiration for future opportunities in making positive change! 💫🔥👏

How inclusive education, digital creativity, and lifelong learning can empower persons with disabilities to build skills, confidence, and new opportunities. At Make The Change, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, create, and contribute to society, regardless of their abilities or background. This belief is at the heart of our purpose: Empowering and Transforming Communities Through Design and Education. We were delighted to be part of the Enabling Lives Festival, where we had the opportunity to showcase our inclusive education programmes and connect with individuals and organisations committed to building a more inclusive Singapore. A special thank you to SG Enable for providing Make The Change with the opportunity to have a booth at the festival, share our initiatives, and engage with the disability inclusion community. Inclusion begins with opportunity One of the most important messages shared during the festival was that building an inclusive society requires more than accessible spaces and infrastructure. It requires opportunities. Opportunities to discover talents, develop new skills, pursue interests, build confidence, and participate meaningfully in society. For persons with disabilities, these opportunities should not end after formal schooling. Learning and personal development should continue throughout adulthood, employment, and beyond. This is a belief we strongly share at Make The Change. Through our education and empowerment programmes, we aim to create learning environments where participants can explore their potential, express themselves creatively, and develop practical skills for an increasingly digital world. Empowering through digital creativity and education Technology can be a powerful enabler of inclusion when it is combined with thoughtful programme design, accessible teaching approaches, and opportunities for hands-on learning. At Make The Change, we develop and deliver programmes that support persons with disabilities in building digital and creative capabilities. Our initiatives include: AI Content Creation Skills Pathway Developed for persons with disabilities, this structured learning pathway introduces participants to artificial intelligence and digital content creation. The programme focuses on developing practical, creative, and digital skills, helping participants explore how emerging technologies can support their learning, creativity, and future opportunities. Digital Arts and Creative Expression Through digital drawing, visual storytelling, and other creative activities, participants have opportunities to express their ideas, explore their talents, and develop confidence in using digital tools. We believe that creativity should be accessible to everyone, and that technology can help remove barriers to participation. Communication and Presentation Skills Effective communication is an important part of personal development and employment readiness. Our programmes provide opportunities for persons with disabilities to practise expressing their ideas, sharing their stories, and developing greater confidence when communicating with others. Across these initiatives, our goal is not simply to teach participants how to use technology. It is to help them recognise their strengths, develop independence, and discover what they are capable of achieving. Lifelong learning should be accessible to everyone An important theme highlighted during the festival was the need to strengthen lifelong learning pathways for persons with disabilities. As technology, industries, and workplaces continue to evolve, opportunities for continuous learning become increasingly important. This applies to everyone, including persons with disabilities. The presentation also highlighted efforts to make training more accessible and affordable, strengthen support for transitions between education and employment, and build the capabilities of educators and training providers. These developments reinforce an important principle: meaningful inclusion requires a coordinated effort across the education, training, employment, and community sectors. At Make The Change, we see our role as contributing to this ecosystem through inclusive education and skills development. By combining creative learning experiences with accessible technology and practical skills, we hope to support participants in building confidence and developing capabilities that can remain relevant throughout their lives. Building an inclusive future through collaboration No single organisation can create an inclusive society on its own. Meaningful progress requires collaboration among persons with disabilities, caregivers, educators, employers, social service agencies, training providers, and community partners. Being part of the Enabling Lives Festival provided an important opportunity for Make The Change to connect with this wider ecosystem. Through our booth, we were able to introduce our programmes, share our approach to inclusive education, and engage with others who believe in the importance of creating opportunities for people of different abilities. These conversations are valuable because inclusion is an ongoing process of listening, learning, improving, and working together. As a certified B Corporation, Make The Change is committed to using business as a force for good. For us, this includes designing educational experiences that help remove barriers, broaden participation, and empower individuals and communities. Thank you, SG Enable We would like to extend our appreciation to SG Enable for the opportunity to participate in the Enabling Lives Festival and showcase our programmes. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of a community working towards a society where persons with disabilities have greater access to education, skills development, and meaningful opportunities. We also thank everyone who visited our booth, expressed interest in our initiatives, and took the time to learn more about our work. We look forward to continuing these conversations and exploring new opportunities for collaboration. Because when education becomes more inclusive, possibilities become greater for everyone. Partner with Make The Change Are you an organisation, school, community partner, or employer looking to create more inclusive learning opportunities? Make The Change develops educational programmes that combine creativity, digital technology, and practical skills development to empower individuals of different abilities. We welcome opportunities to collaborate with organisations that share our commitment to inclusion and lifelong learning. Discover our programmes and connect with us at www.makethechange.sg.

What if three days could change the way you see the world — and your role in it? Planning on having a meaningful school holiday this November? Come and join Make The Change's Young Changemaker Camp — a three-day journey exploring social innovation, creativity and community impact! Through hands-on activities, social enterprise visits and collaborative projects, you will discover how organizations address real-world challenges and develop your own ideas for positive change. ✨ Whether you already have an idea or are simply curious about making a difference, this camp offers a space to explore, connect and take your first steps as a changemaker! Camp Details 📅 Dates: 23, 24, 25 November 2026 📍 Venue: 30 Merchant Road, # 03-03, Riverside Point, Singapore 058282 💰 Camp Fee: $300 SGD, inclusive of all three days, meals and transport for social enterprise visits. ***Slots will be confirmed via direct contact upon registration. _________________________________________________________________________ What Can Participants Expect? Day 1: Be The Change — Discovering the Power of Social Innovation Every change begins with a question: How can I make a difference? On Day 1, participants will dive into the exciting world of social innovation, discovering how social enterprises tackle real-world problems and create positive change in society. Through hands-on activities, participants will develop essential changemaker skills such as empathy, creativity and communication, learning to see everyday challenges from new perspectives. More than just learning about social issues, participants will begin to understand that even small ideas can have a meaningful impact. They will discover how their own strengths, experiences and passions can become the starting point for something greater. Day 1 empowers participants to become more socially aware, think beyond themselves and recognize their potential to be changemakers. By the end of Day 1, participants will have a clearer understanding of how innovation can turn compassion into action. Day 2: Empowering Through Action — Turning Ideas into Impact Have you ever wondered how do organizations put their social purpose into practice? Everyone understands that having an idea is only the beginning, the next step is learning how to turn it into something real. On Day 2, participants will visit Dignity Kitchen where they will be introduced to inclusive employment and gain insights on how a social enterprise creates opportunities for people with different abilities and backgrounds. Building on what they have observed, participants will work with their peers to develop ideas that respond to real-world social challenges. Participants will learn to consider the needs of others, think critically on possible solutions and collaborate with their peers to make their proposed ideas more effective. Day 2 is where participants get to bridge the gap between inspiration and action. Through real-world exposure and collaborative problem-solving, they will strengthen their teamwork, critical thinking and innovation skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for how inclusive initiatives can transform lives. Day 3: Growing The Future — Turning Vision into Reality Every idea has the potential to grow into something extraordinary when it is given the opportunity to flourish. On Day 3, participants will explore the connections between sustainability, communities and everyday life through a visit to Edible Garden City where they will learn about urban farming and food security. This experience will help them understand the importance of building a more sustainable future and how innovative approaches can address challenges that affect our everyday lives. The journey will culminate in a final pitching session, where participants will present their ideas, share their visions and receive feedback. It is their opportunity to bring together everything they have learnt over the three days and communicate how their proposed solutions can make a difference. It will encourage participants to think long-term, communicate confidently and take ownership of their ideas. By presenting their solutions, they will gain valuable experience in public speaking, constructive feedback and turning their aspirations into actionable plans. More importantly, participants will leave with the understanding that creating change is not about having every answer from the start. It is about having the courage to try, the willingness to learn and the determination to keep improving. Three Days, Countless Possibilities — Be The Change! At our Young Changemaker Camp, the greatest takeaway is not simply the knowledge gained or the activities completed. It is the friendships formed, the confidence built and the realization that every youth has the power to make a difference. Over these three days, participants will discover new perspectives, challenge themselves, learn from others and begin to see how their ideas can contribute to a better world. They may arrive with questions and uncertainty, but they will leave with new skills, meaningful experiences and the courage to take their first steps towards creating change. _________________________________________________________________________ So, are you ready to be the change, empower through action and grow the future? Join us at the Young Changemaker Camp this November, where every idea matters, every voice deserves to be heard and every small step brings us closer to a better tomorrow. Because the world needs more young people who believe they can create change! ✨ Together, let's make the change, one idea, one action and one heart at a time.

Make The Change Co-Founder Pedro Aguirre joins MONEY FM 89.3 to discuss youth internships, early career exposure, and how meaningful experiences can empower the next generation of changemakers. At what age should young people begin experiencing the working world? For many students in Singapore, the teenage years are filled with academic commitments, examinations, and important decisions about their future. But could gaining real-world experience at 15 help young people discover their interests, develop essential skills and better understand their potential? This was the central question explored during a recent episode of The Agenda on MONEY FM 89.3, where Pedro Aguirre, Co-Founder and Community and Impact Director of Make The Change, joined host Hongbin Jeong to discuss the growing interest in youth internships and the importance of introducing young people to meaningful workplace experiences. Drawing on Make The Change's experience running its Young Changemaker Programme, Pedro shared why internships should be about much more than simply completing tasks or gaining something to include in a résumé. Learning Beyond the Classroom Education plays an essential role in preparing young people for their future. However, some of life's most valuable lessons happen outside the classroom. When young people enter a workplace for the first time, they encounter new environments, different perspectives, and challenges that may not have straightforward answers. They learn to communicate with people from different backgrounds, collaborate with unfamiliar teammates, take responsibility for their work, and adapt when things do not go according to plan. These experiences can help students develop confidence, independence, and a stronger understanding of themselves. At Make The Change, we believe that young people do not need to wait until adulthood to begin discovering their capabilities. With the right guidance, even a short internship can become a meaningful opportunity for personal growth. What Makes a Youth Internship Meaningful? Not all internships provide the same learning experience. For young people, particularly those participating in their first internship, the experience should go beyond administrative tasks or observing how an organisation operates. A meaningful internship creates opportunities for students to explore their interests, develop practical skills, and understand how their contributions connect to a bigger purpose. We believe five elements are especially important. 1. Discovering individual strengths Young people should have opportunities to explore different responsibilities and discover what they enjoy, what challenges them, and where their strengths lie. 2. Working on real projects Contributing to authentic projects helps students understand that their ideas and efforts can make a difference. 3. Developing communication and collaboration skills Working alongside others teaches young people how to express themselves, listen to different perspectives, and contribute effectively as part of a team. 4. Learning through mistakes A supportive internship environment allows young people to experiment, ask questions, and learn from challenges without fearing failure. 5. Understanding the value of their contributions Perhaps most importantly, internships should help young people recognise that they have something valuable to offer, regardless of their age or previous experience. When young people are given responsibility, guidance, and trust, they often demonstrate capabilities that surprise even themselves. Our Young Changemaker Programme: Learning Through Real Experiences At Make The Change, these principles are central to our Young Changemaker Programme. Designed for young people aged 13 to 19, the programme introduces students to the operations of a social enterprise while helping them develop skills that extend beyond traditional academic learning. Participants have opportunities to experience how creativity, education, business and social impact come together to address real community needs. Depending on their interests and the projects available, students may contribute to activities involving digital content creation, research, social innovation, community engagement and educational initiatives. More importantly, they are encouraged to develop the essential competencies of a changemaker, including empathy, critical thinking, creative confidence, communication, teamwork, leadership, and resilience. Make The Change Our approach is grounded in a simple belief: Young people learn best when they are trusted to participate, encouraged to explore, and supported in turning their ideas into action. We want students to leave the programme not only with new skills but also with a greater sense of confidence, curiosity, and purpose. From Internship Experience to Personal Growth Over the years, we have welcomed students from different schools and educational backgrounds into our Young Changemaker Programme. Each student brings unique interests, perspectives, and strengths. Some arrive curious but unsure of what to expect. Others already have strong interests in areas such as design, technology, entrepreneurship, or community service. Throughout their internship, students are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones and take ownership of their learning. For example, participants have explored social issues through empathy mapping, developed creative content, contributed to community programmes, and collaborated with students from other schools. These experiences provide opportunities to practise problem-solving, communication, and teamwork while developing a deeper understanding of the communities around them. Our previous internship stories highlight how students can grow when they are encouraged to engage with real-world challenges and contribute to meaningful projects. Make The Change The most valuable outcome is not necessarily the final project they produce. It is often the confidence they develop, the perspectives they gain and the discovery that they are capable of contributing something meaningful. Starting Early Is Not About Growing Up Too Quickly One important message from the MONEY FM conversation is that encouraging early work exposure does not mean rushing young people into adulthood. Teenagers should have space to explore, make mistakes, enjoy their youth, and gradually discover who they want to become. An internship should support that journey rather than place unnecessary pressure on students to decide their future careers prematurely. At 15, young people do not need to know exactly what profession they want to pursue. However, experiencing different environments can help them ask better questions about their interests, abilities, and aspirations. They might discover a passion for creative work, develop an interest in social entrepreneurship, or realise that they enjoy working with people and communities. They might also discover that a particular field is not what they expected. Both outcomes are valuable. Early exposure is not about making career decisions sooner. It is about helping young people make more informed decisions when the time comes. Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers At Make The Change, our purpose is to empower and transform communities through design and Education. We believe that education should provide people with opportunities to discover their potential, develop meaningful skills, and contribute positively to their communities. Our Young Changemaker Programme reflects this commitment by bringing together experiential learning, creativity, and social impact. By introducing young people to the world of social enterprises and purpose-driven work, we hope to inspire them to think beyond traditional definitions of career success. A successful future is not only about the profession someone chooses. It can also be about how they use their skills, creativity, and knowledge to create value for others. When young people begin to recognise that possibility, they take an important step towards becoming changemakers themselves. Listen to Our Conversation on MONEY FM 89.3 We thank MONEY FM 89.3 and Hongbin Jeong for the opportunity to participate in this meaningful conversation about youth development and early workplace exposure in Singapore. As more young people explore internship opportunities, we hope the discussion encourages educators, parents, and organisations to reflect on how they can create supportive, purposeful learning experiences. Because sometimes, the most important thing we can give young people is not another lesson, but an opportunity to discover what they are capable of achieving. 🎧 Listen to the conversation on MONEY FM 89.3 Join Our Young Changemaker Programme Are you a student interested in gaining real-world experience, developing new skills, and learning how social enterprises create positive change? Or are you an educator looking to introduce your students to meaningful experiential learning opportunities? Discover how our Young Changemaker Programme helps young people build confidence, develop essential skills, and take their first steps towards creating social impact. Explore the Young Changemaker Programme

How Secondary 2 students at Canberra Secondary School explored storytelling, videography and digital creativity through a hands-on Applied Learning Programme with Make The Change. What makes a story worth telling? For Secondary 2 students at Canberra Secondary School, answering that question became the starting point of a hands-on journey into videography, filmmaking, and digital storytelling. Through Canberra Secondary School's Applied Learning Programme (APL) Digital Media Training in Videography, Make The Change worked with seven Secondary 2 classes to help students move beyond simply recording videos and begin thinking like filmmakers. Throughout the programme, students explored the complete production journey, from developing an idea and planning a story to operating the camera, filming with their peers, editing in iMovie, and eventually presenting a completed video story. Learning to Tell Stories Through Video The programme was designed around one central idea: every good video starts with a story. Students first explored the foundations of visual storytelling and learned how filmmakers communicate ideas through characters, actions, emotions, camera choices, and sequencing. From there, they moved into pre-production, developing ideas through storyboards, scripts, and scene planning before picking up their iPads and putting those ideas into practice. As their technical confidence developed, students experimented with different shot sizes, camera angles, movement, framing, lighting, and composition techniques such as the Rule of Thirds. They also learned how different camera choices can influence what an audience notices and feels. The programme then introduced students to post-production using iMovie, where they learned how to trim and sequence footage, add titles, transitions, music, and audio, and experiment with techniques such as green-screen effects. Learning by Doing One of the clearest findings from the programme was how strongly students responded to practical learning. Rather than spending every session sitting in a classroom listening to instructions, students were given opportunities to get behind the camera, move around the school, direct their classmates, and create their own footage. In fact, hands-on filming and outdoor video shooting emerged as the most popular part of the programme. Students also highlighted practical activities, iMovie editing and green-screen effects, interactive activities, final video screenings, acting and working with their teammates as memorable parts of their experience. These experiences gave students opportunities to take on different production roles, including director, camera operator, editor and performer, while learning how different contributions come together to create one finished story. Turning Learning Into a Real Project The programme culminated in a final video storytelling challenge around the theme: "What I Go To School For" Students were challenged to look at their own school experience and think about what makes coming to school meaningful to them. Working in groups, they had to transform those ideas into complete video stories by applying the skills they had developed throughout the programme: planning, filming, performance, composition, editing, and presentation. Selected student projects from across the Secondary 2 classes demonstrated strong topic relevance as well as the students' growing videography and editing capabilities. But the finished videos represented something more important than technical skills alone. Students had taken an idea, worked collaboratively to develop it, and used digital media to communicate something about their own experiences and perspectives. That is where digital skills become a form of expression. Building Confidence Through Digital Media Across the programme, 712 student feedback responses were collected. The programme achieved an overall satisfaction rating of 3.85 out of 5, while students reported an average of 3.81 out of 5 confidence in applying practical videography skills. In addition, 67.6% of surveyed students explicitly recommended the programme for future cohorts. Students' feedback also demonstrated learning across videography foundations, video editing and post-production, camera operations and composition, storytelling and visual expression, and collaborative production. For us at Make The Change, however, one of the most meaningful outcomes was seeing students progress from learning individual techniques to using those techniques independently to create something of their own. More Than Making Videos Digital media education is not simply about learning which button to press in an app. It can give young people another way to observe, question, communicate, and share the stories happening around them. Through this programme, students experienced the filmmaking process from beginning to end. They made creative decisions, solved problems with their teammates, stepped in front of and behind the camera, experimented with technology, and saw their ideas become finished pieces of work. The strongest student responses came from exactly these moments: operating the camera, making creative choices, and finally seeing their completed work on screen. At Make The Change, we believe these experiences are an important part of helping young people become not only confident users of technology, but also thoughtful creators. Thank You, Canberra Secondary School We are grateful to Canberra Secondary School, its teachers, and the Secondary 2 students for trusting Make The Change to be part of this learning journey. It was incredibly rewarding to watch students progress from their first activities to planning, filming, and editing their own stories. Most importantly, the programme reminded us that when young people are given the right tools, guidance, and space to create, they have meaningful stories to tell. We look forward to continuing to work with schools to help the next generation develop the confidence, creativity, and digital skills to tell stories that matter. Because the goal isn't simply to teach students how to make videos. It is to help them discover that their ideas and stories are worth sharing. Want to bring a similar programme to your school? Contact Us

From left to right: Lea (Overseas from Switzerland), Rithika (Singapore Polytechnic) Earlier in March 2026, we welcomed Rithika from Singapore Polytechnic for a two-week internship at Make The Change as part of the Young Changemaker Programme. From supporting community workshops to contributing to youth programmes, her internship offered an inside look at how creativity, empathy and thoughtful planning comes together in a social enterprise. Rithika began her internship journey by understanding how does Make The Change operates and the communities that we work with. Through an empathy-mapping activity with her intern buddy — Lea who was an overseas intern from Switzerland, they both stepped into the shoes of visually impaired individuals and considered the everyday experiences and challenges faced by the community. Presenting her findings gave her an opportunity to organize her thoughts, communicate her ideas and understand why empathy is an important starting point when developing solutions for the community. Rithika assisting our trainer and senior programme participants in a digital drawing workshop. One of the most meaningful moments of Rithika's internship was supporting a Digital Drawing Workshop for seniors at Goodlife Studio by Montfort Care. Before the session, Rithika was introduced to the basics of Procreate and learned the basic features such as the different brushes, the quick shape tool, and how to draw on different layers, so that she could confidently guide our senior participants. Working directly with the seniors encouraged Rithika to develop patience, communicate instructions clearly and adjust her support according to each participants's learning pace. More than simply teaching them how to use a digital tool, the workshop showed her how technology and creativity can create opportunities for seniors to learn, express themselves and connect with others. Youth For Change (YFC) Workshop 2026 Group Photo Rithika also contributed to the planning and implementation of Make The Change's Youth For Change (YFC) programme. Her main responsibilities included refining promotional messages, creating social media poster for the programme's guest speakers. She also designed presentation slides, prepared certificates for participants and supported the administrative coordination of the sessions. During our Youth For Change workshops, Rithika helped to prepare the venue and manage programme logistics. By attending the sessions, she gained a closer understanding of how youth programmes are executed — from the preparation happening behind the scenes to the facilitation and coordination required on the actual day. Rithika also supported our learning programmes with schools in Singapore by assisting with post-programme administrative tasks. She used Padlet, our data collection tool, to collate trainers’ final reports on students’ learning. Approaching the work with curiosity, she gradually gained confidence in using Notion and Google Sites to organize information for each school participating in our Apple New Media Programme. Rithika's Reflection " I learned the value of a strong support system and how passion helps me persevere through challenges. This experience also gave me insight into working in a social enterprise and the programmes MTC runs. " Over the two weeks, Rithika demonstrated adaptability and a willingness to take on a wide range of responsibilities. From supporting seniors and preparing youth workshops to creating digital content and organizing programme resources, each experience offered her a new perspective on how thoughtful planning and creativity can contribute to meaningful community impact. We appreciate Rithika's contributions during her time with us and hope that the knowledge, confidence and experiences she gained at Make The Change will continue to guide her in her studies, future career and journey as a changemaker!

Around the world, displacement continues to shape the lives of millions. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), by September 2025, the cumulative number of refugees registered in Indonesia was 11,900 persons from 54 countries, with majority of of the population are Afghan refugees (41%). Behind these numbers are individual lives, aspirations and stories that statistics alone cannot capture. This is why we are introducing Beyond Borders, a new series under Conversation of Change. We hope to create space for refugees to share their experiences in their own words. For our first episode, we speak with Meena Asadi, an Afghan-born karate champion and founder and head coach of the Cisarua Refugee Shotokan Karate Club (CRSKC) in Bogor, Indonesia. Originally from Ghazni, Afghanistan, she fled with her family to Pakistan amid conflict in Afghanistan. It was there, at the age of 13, she first encountered karate. At the time, watching boys participate freely in sport made her question why the same opportunities were not always available to girls. Rather than accpeting those barriers, she challenged them. Karate has been a source of strength throughout Meena's journey, and today, she is using it to create the sense of confidence, discipline and belonging for other young women and children. Finding Strength Through Karate Over the years, the martial art became a powerful part of her identity. When she first arrived in Indonesia, that means starting again in an unfamiliar environment and finding a way to build a community from the ground up. Instead of allowing those limitations to stop her, Meena found a way to turn her experience into an opportunity for others. At CRSKC, young individuals come together not only to learn punches and kicks but to develop confidence and discipline. During our conversation, she reflects on watching the students gradually growing into confident athletes and in some cases, being leaders to those around them. For Meena, seeing that transformation is one of the reasons she continues to do what she does. Telling Her Story Beyond the Dojo Meena has also documented her journey through her book, The Darkest Place. It is her firsthand account of escaping gunfire and the touching chronicle of war zone. If you are a publisher who believes in the power of stories to create change, we welcome you to connect with us and explore how Meena's story could reach further. Listen to the first episode of Beyond Borders on Conversation of Change.