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Written by Koeby and Harshini from Serangoon Garden Secondary School Won’t it be highly pleasing to know that your academic skills in Math, Linguistics and Humanities could be applied to reality instead of being restricted to the realms of homework and examinations? Then what better way to end the academic year than to invest in an internship in a company titled ‘Make The Change’ (MTC)? Greetings, this is Koeby and Harshini from Serangoon Garden Secondary School and we are here to share about the voyage that we embarked on as interns of MTC. Initially, we were briefed about the three pillars of Make The Change; Accounting, Change Agency and Social Organisations. Consequently, throughout the course of the following days, we gained insights on the thought process of planning social events and programmes. They varied from low demand, minuscule programmes to high demand, large-scale events. We worked with other schools cooperatively, targeting contrasting levels of varying problems such as mini-activities encouraging healthy psychological well-being and ambitious events advocating about the importance of fitness. Additionally, we acquired ample knowledge about social entrepreneurship and took a deep dive into one of the big pillars of Make The Change through provided lessons by professionals from the respective departments. “Throughout this programme, I felt enlightened by the intriguing aspects of digital marketing and event planning that were introduced to us by our mentors. It is an understatement to say that it broadened our minds and enhanced our critical thinking skills. I am extremely eager for future work attachment programmes. Needless to say, it has been an exceptional experience abundant with fruitful takeaways.” ~ Koeby “This work shadowing programme aided my understanding of giving back to society. I realized that there are a plethora of ways to embrace the underprivileged with a helping hand. It taught me skills apt for entrepreneurship and creative designing. I am keen to participate in similar work attachments in the future to further improve my literacy skills. My gratitude for being able to take part in this internship programme cannot be expressed in words.” ~ Harshini In essence, we did not regret our decision to participate in our school’s work shadowing programme to become interns under MTC. We worked with other interns from other schools to complete our tasks. Our knowledge about digital marketing and creative designing was enhanced and there were uncountable lessons learnt that could be applied to our daily life. To conclude, we would like to thank MTC and our school for providing us with this opportunity. It has been a great time and we look forward to attending more internships in the future.

In August, Make The Change was engaged to run a Social Entrepreneurship workshop at Raffles Institution. The programme ran over 8 days covering a total of 36 hours. Students were introduced to the various types of social enterprises, case studies on innovative ways to solve social problems, how to measure social impact, and different ways to get funding as well as other insights on being an entrepreneur of a social enterprise. Guest speakers were also invited to share their own experiences and journey while also inspiring the students through conveying their success story. Among the speakers were individuals from organisations such as Kidney Dialysis Foundation, Singapore Kindness Movement, B Lab Singapore, Boys’ Town and raiSE Singapore. By the end of the programme, students were expected to come up with their own social enterprise, inclusive of a business canvas, a digital marketing plan along with a few other components. At the end of the 8 days, each group presented their ideas followed by a question and answer session from both their teachers and peers. Feedback were also given accordingly so that the students can improve on their ideas if they ever wish to pursue them further. Read more about the programme here .

Hello! We are Hannah, Amitha and Huiyan, a group of students from Cedar Girls Secondary School, and we took part in a 12-day online internship with Make The Change during the school holidays. We chose to join MTC for our internship programme as we were interested in learning how a social enterprise works. Coming from a school which carries out social innovation projects that heavily involve Design Thinking, we were attracted to MTC’s secondary schools learning programmes as they also involved the same process. While we were unable to physically work with MTC due to Covid-19, the online experience was still a unique and fulfilling one. With that being said, here are some of our wonderful experiences with MTC! During the length of our internship, we assisted MTC with some of their ongoing projects such as the Instagram revamp for Design For Good’s Instagram page and a jeans movement project. This enabled us to contribute our own ideas creatively while having a more in-depth understanding of how a social enterprise works. We were also given the opportunity to attend forums and workshops which provided us with a holistic and hands-on experience! One of the projects we undertook was to manage Design For Good’s Instagram account. We created a detailed content calendar in preparation of the 10.10 sales which included pictures and detailed descriptions of the posts. Each post was made to promote DFG’s products, purpose, and people. We were given the liberty to choose the product pictures, create our own posts for impacts and people and create captions for each post. We are glad that MTC gave us a lot of creative freedom and trust by allowing us to do the majority of the planning and posting for DFG. Another project that we were involved in was a research proposal for a jeans movement that Xuemin, Community Development Specialist, was planning to do. This jeans movement targeted to collect preloved jeans and upcycle them into various versatile products. The jeans movement also aimed to engage single mothers with low income to help in the process of upcycling. We were in charge of researching the various background information that was needed to evaluate if the project could be implemented. We were able to create an empathy map for single mothers, research on the effects of producing and throwing jeans and read up on similar denim upcycling movements in Singapore and other countries. Thus, creating the research proposal was up our alley as it coincided with what we were taught in Cedar. Besides these projects, MTC also gave us an opportunity to attend the Arts and Disabilities Forum jointly organised by the National Arts Council and Very Special Arts Singapore. Through the 3-day forum and workshop, we gained meaningful insights about persons with disabilities and the importance of inclusivity. The forum was indubitably an eye-opener and was an incredible experience in helping us to learn more about arts and disabilities. Furthermore, MTC also gave us the opportunity to attend a Social Entrepreneurship Training Session, conducted by Mr Pedro, Business Development Manager. This training session helped to teach us how to initiate a social enterprise and what it takes to develop the business. We were taught about different types of social enterprises, and what effect each has on the community. We understood the importance of analysing the needs of your target group and how to approach the development of your enterprise. This experience helped to fulfil one of our goals of understanding how a social enterprise works. We are grateful for MTC’s friendly and welcoming environment which gave us an overall pleasant experience as first-time interns. Although we were quite worried at first due to the Covid-19 situation, they were more than glad to accept us and eased any concerns we had. In hindsight, our internship here at Make The Change has been extremely enjoyable and we are more than content with our takeaways from working with the team.

We had two batches of students from Nan Hua High School for the Young Changemaker Programme . In their one week-long internship, these students contributed meaningfully in various projects while gaining a deeper understanding of community impact. Empowering Youth Through Social Innovation We believe in actively involving the youths in social innovation, encouraging them to take responsibility and ownership in building a better society. We focus on honing skills related to technology, entrepreneurship, leadership and collaboration. One of the key topics we explored was female objectification in the workplace, diving deeper into gender stereotypes and its real world implications, particularly how women experience bias and unfair treatment. Students were engaged in discussions, sharing their perspectives and opinion. Student Reflections The internship left a lasting impression on the students, broadening their perception beyond the classroom. After this internship I feel more inspired to find solutions to society’s problems and make a change. I was also very happy to have met new people as I was able to learn many new things from them as their experiences. Although I will be sad to leave, I feel glad as I was able to gain an eye-opening experience from this internship. (Jonelle) Another student shared: I am inspired to pursue a career in social entrepreneurship in the future so that I too can play my part in shaping a better future. (Amanda) The Young Changemaker Programme is more than just an internship—it’s a platform for young minds to think critically, engage meaningfully, and take action . As we continue to nurture future changemakers, we are excited to see how these students thrive.

As part of the B Corp Month celebrations, we will be hosting a workshop to educate youths on how they can join the B Corp movement. 🌍 Build a Better Future: Youth & The Power of Purpose-Driven Business! What if businesses could do more than make money? What if they could change the world? Join us for an exciting B Corp Month Celebration, where you’ll discover how companies lead the way in sustainability, ethics, and social impact! 🚀 Meet inspiring changemakers, engage in hands-on activities, and pitch your own purpose-driven business idea. Connect with like-minded youth and learn how you, too, can B the Change! 💡 Limited slots available! Don’t miss this chance to turn your passion into action. Sign up now and start shaping a better future! 🚀 What’s in it for you? ✅ Discover how businesses can be a force for good ✅ Meet inspiring entrepreneurs and B Corp leaders ✅ Take on the challenge: Create your purpose-driven business idea ✅ Build your network with like-minded youth ready to make an impact Register HERE

In celebration of B Corp Month, we hosted an engaging workshop titled B The Change: Youth, Impact, and Business. The workshop was designed to inspire and equip youths with the knowledge and tools to become changemakers in the B Corp movement. The session brought together young minds eager to understand how businesses can be a force for good and how they, too, can play a role in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Understanding B Corp and Its Impact The workshop started with an introduction to B Corporations (B Corps)—companies that meet the highest social and environmental impact, accountability, and transparency standards. Participants learned how these businesses balance profit with purpose, ensuring their operations positively contribute to workers, communities, and the planet. Through real-life examples of certified B Corps, youths explored how various industries—from fashion and food to technology and finance—integrate sustainable practices and ethical decision-making into their business models. This segment ignited discussions on the role of businesses in addressing pressing global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and social justice. Youth as Catalysts for Change One key takeaway from the workshop was the emphasis on youth. We encouraged participants to reflect on their passions, values, and skills and how they can align them with opportunities to drive impact. Through internships, advocacy, entrepreneurship, or consumer choices, youths discovered multiple ways to contribute to the B Corp movement. Hands-On Activities and Interactive Discussions The workshop featured dynamic activities, including: Case Studies: Participants analyzed the practices of B Corps and brainstormed ways to enhance their social impact. Group Ideation: Small teams developed business ideas aligned with B Corp principles and presented solutions. Q&A with Industry Experts: A panel of B Corp advocates shared insights into their journeys and offered practical advice on how youths can get involved. The Road Ahead: Becoming a Part of the Movement The session concluded with a call to action—encouraging participants to continue learning, engaging with B Corps, and spreading awareness about responsible business practices. We provided resources and next steps, including: Exploring internships and career opportunities with B Corps Supporting B Corp businesses through conscious consumerism Advocating for sustainability and ethical business practices in their communities The participants' enthusiasm and curiosity reaffirmed the growing interest among youths in purpose-driven work and impact-driven businesses. As we move forward, we remain committed to empowering the next generation with the knowledge and opportunities to be the change our world needs. Stay connected with us for more workshops and initiatives that inspire positive action! #BTheChange #BCorpMonth #YouthForImpact #PurposeDrivenBusiness

Make The Change is thrilled to announce the winners of the New Media Youth Competition 2024, an innovative platform designed to challenge and inspire young participants to showcase their creativity, skills and ideas within the realm of new media. This competition spans a wide array of mediums, including social media campaigns, digital arts, video production and more. The goal is not only to foster creativity and digital literacy but also to encourage collaboration and empower youths to use new media to make a meaningful difference in society. Primary School: Video Category Oscar Liu Yikai from Greenridge Primary School Augmented Reality Category Chee He Yang Daerius and Lin Xingyan from Teck Ghee Primary School Audio Category Durga from Pasir Ris Primary School Brooklyn Pansook Lim from Anchor Green Primary School Foo Shi Zhang, Darius and Avaniish Nanda Kumar from Teck Ghee Primary School Secondary School: Video Category Tan Di Feng, Wang SiJin and Tan Jee Heng Fabian from Christ Church Secondary School Heng Yu Cheng, Jayden Roberts, Kairos Seah Tjun En, Zoden Oon Yan Chong from Fuhua Secondary School Ang Min Hui Serene, Ee Sze Rou Chloe, Lai Ying Xi from Unity Secondary School Augmented Reality Category Chloevelle Lim En Qi, Charlotte Ye Xiaoxian, Elisha Lam Ruey Han, Thevva Darshyinii from Crescent Girls' School Audio Category Joseph Wong Cheng Man, Teng Li Wei Javier, Viswajit S from Yuan Ching Secondary School Digital Marketing Category Check out their Instagram profile here ! Glenn Goo Jie Ting, Faith Lim Qi Qi, Jenelle Kwek Yi Xuan, Vadeentavida Sona from Christ Church Secondary School Congratulations to all participants who have poured their passion and effort into their submissions. Let's continue to harness the potential of new media to shape a brighter future for everyone!

Students from St Andrew's Secondary We recently had the pleasure of having a group of enthusiastic interns for a week-long internship. These young individuals brought fresh perspectives and energy to our team, contributing to various projects. Here are some of their key takeaways from the experience: Embracing the Work Environment "I have learned how it is like to be in a work environment and how people collaborate together to complete projects." This insight highlights the transition from academic settings to professional environments, where collaboration and communication are essential for success. Working in a dynamic workplace provided the interns with a firsthand look at how professionals coordinate to achieve common goals. The Importance of Teamwork "Teamwork is very important for bigger loads of assignments as doing it solo can take long." By working together, the interns learned how to divide tasks, leverage each other's strengths, and accomplish more efficiently than they could individually. Contributing to Our Projects Our interns were actively involved in compiling databases and brainstorming ideas for our marketing and outreach programs. Their fresh perspectives and innovative ideas contributed to the ideation process, enhancing our learning programs' reach and effectiveness. Have a listen to what they have to say! The week-long internship was not just an opportunity for these young individuals to gain experience; it was also a chance for us to learn from them. We are excited to continue this journey of mutual learning and growth with future interns!

Rithika & Reiko (Cedar Girls' Secondary School) Two students from Cedar Girls' Secondary School, participated in the Young Changemaker Programme , a five-day internship at Make The Change (MTC).  They kicked off their internship by attending the Project We Care seminar themed "Empowering Collective Action for a Caring Community". This exposure provided the students with invaluable insights into how corporates and communities can collaborate to address societal challenges. Beyond listening, they engaged with the ideas presented, taking detailed notes that would later form the foundation for their subsequent tasks. By connecting young individuals with real-world projects and social causes, it fosters not only skill development but also a deeper sense of purpose and empathy, qualities that will guide them as they continue their journey of creating change. Reflections Rithika's Journey "This experience has broadened my view on social entrepreneurship and has made me feel more enlightened about the projects done here at Make The Change (New Media, Design For Good) to name a few. I believe that Make The Change is truly for the community and has further encouraged me to explore going into social enterprise as a career option." Rithika found the internship enlightening, particularly enjoying the opportunity to interact with corporate leaders. Besides that, she found that the tasks were both challenging and rewarding, reinforcing her interest in this field and her aspirations to contribute meaningfully to society. Reiko's Journey "Everyone there was very welcoming, patient, and warm, always explaining things carefully, and never making me feel overwhelmed, stressed, or lost." "I feel more equipped to contribute meaningfully in future roles with my newfound skills and knowledge, and gained a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes work that drives companies." Reiko appreciated the supportive culture at Make The Change, which fostered her learning and growth. She highlighted the various skills developed, the importance of effective communication and cohesive teamwork. The experience not only enhanced her confidence but also deepened her respect for the hard work that drives successful social enterprises. Journey of Growth Both Rithika and Reiko’s internship at Make The Change highlight the importance of nurturing the youths in an environment that encourages creativity and collaboration. We look forward to welcoming more students during the remaining days of the holiday in 2024 to experience this journey of growth, learning, and making a difference!

Five students from St Andrew's Secondary School joined Make The Change (MTC) under the Young Changemaker Program. Through this journey, they were able to attain certain skills and qualities they have found useful, as well as unforgettable memories. Real-World Experiences During their internship, they had the opportunity to be a part of two Digital Arts For All (DAFA) workshops at Fei Yue Active Aging Centre and JiaYou. These workshops aimed to empower seniors by introducing them to the world of digital drawing while also promoting creative expression and social engagement. For the interns, this experience was both challenging and rewarding. They played an active role in assisting the seniors with digital tools, breaking down complex concepts into simple, bite-sized instructions. Take a look at the interns in action! “ I was able to help the elderly through teaching them how to design digital art using the IPad. Overall, I’ve learned how to improve the community. “I had fun trying to teach the elderly how to use the iPad to create digital art. I also got to discuss problems and solutions for people with disabilities” ( Ryuu) Inspiring the Next Generation Through programs like the Young Changemaker Program, MTC continues to inspire and empower the youths to be catalysts of change. These internships serve as stepping stones for youths to gain important skills and knowledge that will benefit them well in the future, supporting their growth and success in any career path they pursue. “I have gained a lot of knowledge and experience from this internship such as what working in the real life world is like and learning problem solving skills. I even managed to make more friends!” (Jarrett) “I learned how to manage with different ideas when we had to find a solution along with working on volunteering opportunities projects.” Regardless how short their internship was, we deeply appreciate the contributions made by all of our interns. We hope you will be the next change maker!

The wait is over—our Youth For Change Final Showcase is ready to unveil the incredible projects by young changemakers. They have spent months refining their ideas, working alongside mentors to create real impact. 💡 What to Expect? Engaging presentations of their innovative projects Insights into their journey, challenges, and breakthroughs Opportunities to connect, support, and be part of their impact 🌟 Featured Teams We’re excited to feature some of the incredible teams at the Final Showcase! Here’s a sneak peek at a few of them and the impactful projects they’ve been working on.  Project Unbottled Project Unbottled here, we are a duo committed to leaving a mark in society. We work towards raising awareness for everyday youth issues, such as racism, cyber bullying and mental health issues. We aim to advocate for and spread awareness about these issues, while creating a safe, inclusive and thoughtful environment that encourages everyone to exchange opinions, share experiences and promote mutual understanding. We also strive to spread positive messages around Singapore, in hopes that youths who are in the face of challenges know that they are not alone, by providing them with resources and support so that they can further seek professional help. Ultimately, we hope that our initiative allows us to give back to the community and inspire other youths to join us in our journey. 📲 Follow them on Instagram at @project_unbottled Safe Sphere Transforming Conversations, Empowering Change At Safe Sphere, we empower youth with the tools to tackle family violence through innovation and engagement. Our specially curated card game turns complex issues into a fun, interactive experience, boosting understanding, critical thinking, and retention. Step into Heartsafe Haven, an immersive journey where impactful audios and artefacts bring stories to life, sparking reflection and awareness. We’re not just raising awareness—we’re creating safe spaces, driving open dialogue, and inspiring change for a safer tomorrow. 📲 Follow them on Instagram at s4fesphere Paws For A Cause Millions of plastic bottles end up in landfills each year, contributing to environmental pollution. At the same time, countless animals in shelters struggle to receive proper care due to limited resources. Our initiative tackles both issues! We aim to raise awareness about upcycling, recycling, and animal welfare. We collect used plastic bottles from our school community and transform them into sustainable bracelets. These bracelets are then sold, with all proceeds donated to an animal welfare organization to support the daily needs of shelter animals. Through this project, we promote eco-friendly practices while highlighting the issue of abandoned animals, inspiring our community to take action for a more sustainable and compassionate future. 📲 Follow them on Instagram at @_.pawsforacause Be part of the movement! Join us for the Final Showcase and support these inspiring youth-led initiatives. 📅 Date:   14th February 2025, 5pm to 8pm (Opening Night)   15th-16th February 2025, 12pm to 6pm (Public Access) 📍 Location:  Exhibition Gallery Dhoby Ghaut Visual Arts Centre - 10 Penang Rd, Singapore 238469 🔗 RSVP: https://is.gd/22B5BS   Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for live updates! See you there!

The journey of Youth For Change is coming to an exciting close, and we are thrilled to invite you to the Final Showcase —a celebration of passion, creativity, and real-world impact. This is the moment where our dedicated young changemakers unveil the projects they have spent months refining, tackling pressing social issues and creating meaningful change. What to Expect? 150 youths embarked on an enriching journey through Youth For Change , gaining hands-on experience in social innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration. With the guidance of expert mentors and industry leaders, they transformed ideas into actionable solutions. Now, it’s time to witness their hard work come to life. At the Final Showcase , you can expect: Inspiring Project Exhibitions  – Discover youth-led initiatives addressing challenges in sustainability, mental health, digital inclusion, and more. Live Presentations  – Hear firsthand from participants about their journey, challenges, and breakthroughs. Networking Opportunities  – Connect with changemakers, educators, and industry professionals who share a passion for social impact. Opportunities to Get Involved  – Whether you're an educator, organization, or fellow changemaker, explore ways to support and collaborate on these impactful projects. Looking Back: How Did We Get Here? Throughout the Youth For Change  program, participants attended expert-led workshops , learned essential skills, and received mentorship  to refine their ideas. From ideation to execution, they explored ways to scale their projects beyond the program, ensuring a lasting impact. Join Us at the Final Showcase! Be part of this inspiring event and support the next generation of changemakers. Witness their passion, celebrate their achievements, and explore ways to collaborate for a better future. 📅 Date:  14th February 2025 (Opening Night) | 15th-16th February 2025 (Public Access) 📍 Location:   Visual Arts Centre - 10 Penang Rd, Singapore 238469 🔗 RSVP now here ! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook  for event updates and highlights! Don’t miss this opportunity to be inspired by the future leaders of change. See you at the Youth For Change Final Showcase 2025!