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We were blessed to have incredibly hardworking and lovely interns from Raffles Girls’ School! Hear about what they experienced in their video testimonials! Arthi Renee Zi Ying

In this episode of Conversation of Change, we had the privilege to speak to John and Mark, the founders of John's Crazy Socks. John always says "Down Syndrome never holds me back" and this attitude kickstarted his entrepreneurial spirit to start a fun socks business with his father. Fun fact: their socks have been worn by many celebrities, including ex US President George Bush! Their inspiring story has been showcased in all major media outlets and now you can listen to their story on our podcast right here:

The people he meets along his journey inspire him to keep fighting. “We were very early in the game with eLearning and that was very painful for the first 7 to 8 years. Because nobody wanted to talk to us, it took us a long time to get the company moving.” said Thomas. “But the journey has been good. To see them excel and see them happy, see them make something out of their lives, I think it’s certainly very rewarding.” Thomas Ng is the CEO of Genashtim, a digital solutions provider. In 2015, his company became the 2nd company in the whole of Southeast Asia to be a B Corporation (B-Corps), named ‘Best for the World’ every year since. B-Corps are part of a pioneering movement for organisations to stake claim as socially responsible businesses. The community ‘works toward reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, a healthier environment, stronger communities, and the creation of more high quality jobs with dignity and purpose.’ It’s not simply lip service with these companies, they are truly brands that advocate social responsibility. But these companies can’t do that without thinking like a typical business. Thomas decided from the very beginning that Genashtim had to be a for-profit social enterprise because “For us, the more profit we make, the more we can serve the community.” It was only later on that he subscribed to the Triple Bottom Line concept of Profits, People and Planet, which became incredibly appropriate for his goals. His inclusive business model has provided employment for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), LGBTQ, HIV-infected, women in oppressed environments and elderly individuals remotely from anywhere in the world. “So we are totally 100% cloud based and today the sexy term is ‘remote work’, so we have been in remote work for over 12 years. We don’t have an office, we don't create waste, so in a sense we are a very green company. In fact the only person responsible for an adverse effect on the planet is me because I'm the one traveling around for business.” Today they have 130 employees across more than 10 countries, which ranges from Venezuela, Ghana, Zimbabwe to the Philippines and Vietnam. COMPASSION AND KINDNESS Genashtim’s engagement with people from the Hazaras tribe in Afghanistan started in 2018. These refugees have been stuck in Indonesia for more than 20 years and he explained how they have no rights and their children can’t go to school. So what they’ve done is to set up their own learning centres and that way the adults can volunteer to teach. Thomas was amazed by them because “when you think about refugees you think they are rough and tough people. These are educated people, middle class families, they have a house, cars, MacBooks, and because they are persecuted they have to sell everything, pack up and leave. “Some of them are really on the verge of oblivion, like there’s nothing for them, for their families. They themselves are in such a dire situation and instead of being depressed about it, they are volunteering to help other people and their own communities.” he said. “They have degrees, but of course they cannot work. So we found a way for them to work online for us and that was very rewarding. “The first one I hired, I remembered going to his house. This guy had no job for so many years, he’s trying to survive. When I went to visit him, he showed me a message: one of his friends needed help because he was going to be kicked out of his house, can’t pay the rent anymore. And he gave half his first drawn salary to his friend. He said, ‘Thomas, God found a solution for me, I’m sure God will find a solution for my friend also.’” DETERMINATION AND STRENGTH “If you get to know them, I just find it very rewarding. When you are up-close with people and you understand how they go about their lives, how they struggle, and how they make something out of their lives,” he said. “and how they are so happy that in fact you are much happier with your own life.” In his Conversation of Change interview, he talked about Therese, a learning consultant in the eCornell department, who lives in the Philippines. He described how she’s paralysed from the neck down and is dependent on a ventilator 24/7 because she can’t breathe on her own. Despite the challenges, Therese worked for them for about 7 years though she can only operate a computer by voice. “Every time I talk to her, she’s very happy. So then you think, if she can be happy in her condition, then what problems do I have? You can’t compare. “I think it’s a great gift if people understand how other people’s lives are and to develop empathy.” LISTEN TO THE CONVERSATION HERE

PODCAST SUMMARY David Jaber is the founder and CEO of Climate Positive Consulting, a Certified B Corporation. They help companies understand their impact on climate change and plan with them to mitigate the impacts. They analyse operations, supply chains and facilities to identify improvement opportunities in line with science based targets and net zero goals. Over the last 20 years, David has worked with over 150 companies on environmental excellence. ANALYSE TO START Companies that engage with Climate Positive Consulting start with data collection. The next step is measurement and analysis. The data collected has to first be converted to carbon dioxide equivalents to paint a clear picture of their carbon footprint. Analysing the greatest contributors to their carbon footprint allows the setting of goals and targets to reduce their carbon footprint with climate positive as their vague goal. REDUCTION IS MORE Climate Positive Consulting recommends a net zero approach, but leads companies to aim for a positive climate impact. They encourage companies to reduce their carbon footprint. There are ways for companies to reduce carbon footprint without having to reduce their emissions by buying offsets, such as planting trees and investing in renewable energy. However, while these are good projects, there are risks that these projects do not work as designed. Hence companies may actually have to make significant reductions in their emissions instead of offsetting. On the other hand, science based targets give more rigour to allow them to reach their goals. FURTHER GUIDANCE FOR COMPANIES David also wrote a book titled Climate Positive Business which lays out the path of business climate strategy and captures what companies need to do succinctly to reduce carbon emissions. “Drive the change we want to see” when responding to the reason he wrote the book. He hopes that the book would act as a guide book, through highlighting steps, can help businesses tackle carbon footprint. The book also flags some concerns about being fully dependent on offsets. Offsetting is not a strategy that is fully robust as we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a credible and verified way. He encourages companies to have foresight instead of focusing on short term gains. He hopes that his book would inspire companies to take action to reduce their carbon footprint. For companies who are interested in reducing their carbon emissions, they can use this as a base point for them to work and improve their carbon footprint and work towards a net zero goal. These companies should start with their initial carbon footprint so that they know what they are reducing. DOING YOUR PART Personal actions and choices, though may seem small, but collectively, it has a huge impact on the carbon emissions on earth. Simple daily choices such as the bank which you deposit your money in, and your electricity company choices can affect carbon footprint. In some instances, you may even be paying to aid climate change! ENCOURAGEMENT FOR COMPANIES There is a need to take action to know your own carbon footprint so that you can account to those investors or partners asking about them. You can start by taking small steps in reducing your carbon footprint and being accountable to them in terms of numbers. Even small things can practically reduce your carbon footprint. Listen to the full episode here

Join our host, Nabilah, as she talks to Eric, a visionary leader from GoodWhale. He shares inspiring insights about his organization’s mission to revolutionize financial literacy and investing education, with a particular focus on helping tech-savvy individuals to fulfil their financial goals. Fathom the depth of social impact with Eric, as he narrates GoodWhale’s journey towards achieving B Corp certification. Recognizing the seamless alignment of GoodWhale's objectives with impact-driven values, Eric stresses the importance of making a social impact as a B Corp company. He even elaborates on grappling with the initial challenges of balancing profit generation with social value creation. Eric addresses the various pillars that B Corp certification entails. Drawing inspiration from Duolingo's business model, GoodWhale looks to provide a similar impact using a sustainable model. Eric advocates care while considering investment options and GoodWhale's aspiration to become everyone's trusted 'life investing companion'. In this in-depth conversation, embrace the opportunity to learn more about how GoodWhale cultivates financial literacy as a fundamental right, the role of AI in personalizing financial education, and the organization's march towards B Corp certification. Listen to the full conversation here: Discover our podcast on your favourite audio apps now! 🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/make-the-change-conversation-of-change-podcast/id1511455099 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1FPfumkodY86gN9wUBUgYV?si=ff0560b50aff4c30 Check out more inspiring stories and valuable resources at GoodWhale.com.

Are you ready to showcase your talents, ignite your passions, and unleash your creativity? Look no further than the Social Innovation Hackathon 2024 organized by the Diploma in Community Development, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, in partnership with Make The Change. Hosted annually, this competition is filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences. Why You Should Register: Discover Your Potential: It is not all about winning; it is about discovering what you are truly capable of. Through challenges that push your boundaries and ignite your creativity, you will uncover hidden talents and passions you never knew you had. Gain Valuable Experience: Participating in this competition is not just about the prize – it is about the journey. Gain invaluable experience that will set you apart from the crowd, whether you're pursuing higher education, internships, or your dream career. Connect with Peers: One of the most rewarding aspects is the opportunity to connect with like-minded peers who share your interests and aspirations. Build lifelong friendships, collaborate on projects, and expand your network within a supportive and encouraging community. Win Amazing Prizes: Let's not forget the prizes up for grabs! From cash awards to mentorship opportunities and exclusive internships, the rewards are as impressive as they are inspiring. How to Register: Registering for the Social Innovation Hackathon 2024 is quick and easy. For more information and to register, visit this microsite: https://bit.ly/socialinnovations2024 We can't wait to see what you'll achieve!

In a bid to tackle pressing social issues and inspire young minds, the School of Humanities & Social Sciences from Ngee Ann Polytechnic, in collaboration with Make The Change, hosted its annual Social Innovation Hackathon. The event brought together a total of 168 participants across 37 schools, fostering collaboration and igniting creativity. To kickstart the Hackathon, the Social Innovation workshop held on 17 May was opened by Mr Matthew Wong, the Course Chair of the Diploma in Community Development, followed by a sharing by our CEO, Ms Michelle Lim. This event provided the platform for industry experts to offer valuable insights into problem-solving methodologies and project management. Participants were also introduced to the idea of creating sustainable change as a social enterprise. Their guidance helped students gain a deep understanding of the challenges they aimed to address and equipped them with the necessary skills to develop effective solutions. Beyond the hard skills, the hackathon also emphasised the importance of networking and creating opportunities for future collaborations beyond the event. Participants were encouraged to mingle with students from other schools, and work together with their mentors on their solutions. For the preliminary round, teams were required to submit a proposal and video. The top 10 teams were then invited to pitch their ideas to a panel of judges, consisting of various industry professionals and experts. The finals showcased a range of impactful solutions, spanning various sectors such as healthcare, education, sustainability, and poverty alleviation. The judges were thoroughly impressed by the quality and innovativeness of the solutions. After much careful deliberation, 3 winning teams from Raffles Girls’ School and Evergreen Secondary were selected. Raffles Girls’ School, Team 17 (Food for Low-Income Families) Evergreen Secondary School, Team 6 (Food Security) Raffles Girls’ School, Team 19 (Sustainable Delivery Chains) Here is the innovative idea that Raffles Girls’ School Team 17 pitched! Project description: Tim Out of the Box is a project aimed at addressing food insecurity in areas like Bukit Merah, specifically targeting children and the elderly. The project proposes the use of vending machines to provide affordable and nutritious hot meals to low-income families. The goal is to improve accessibility to wholesome food options and alleviate hunger in vulnerable communities. Let’s hear what some of the participants had to say about their experience. “We really enjoyed the hackathon as it taught us the basics of social innovation and we delved into both learning how to better our business model (by improving its attainability) as well as our own team dynamics. Our group really appreciated that the hackathon provided a safe space to bounce off ideas and get the relevant feedback from experienced peers on how to improve our model!” “This hackathon was an enriching and interesting experience. The scope of this hackathon was also relatively new for us as our solution had to function as not just a social organisation, but a sustainable social enterprise that could generate revenue in the long term. We enjoyed this experience, and thank you Ngee Ann Polytechnic for this opportunity! ” By inspiring and empowering participants, Ngee Ann Polytechnic's Social Innovation Hackathon serves as a catalyst for social change. This event not only sparked creativity but also demonstrated the collective power of young individuals to address and solve societal issues. As hackathons forge the path towards social innovation, they play a vital role in transforming lives, communities, and industries.

The Social Innovation Hackathon 2024 has been an incredible journey so far. With numerous teams participating, we have seen an outpouring of creativity, passion, and innovative solutions aimed at addressing some of society's most pressing issues. What went down during the Hackathon Opening: The Social Innovation Hackathon 2024 kicked off with an with a keynote address by Michelle Lim, who emphasized the importance of innovation in driving social change. Attendees were introduced to the hackathon's mission and objectives, followed by an overview of the schedule and expectations. The teams had the opportunity to discuss their innovative ideas with their peers. Over the next few days, teams diligently worked on their projects with valuable guidance from their mentors from Make The Change. These mentors provided insights, expertise, and support, helping teams to overcome challenges and enhance their solutions. Now, announcing the Shortlisted Teams for the Social Innovation Hackathon 2024! We are excited to share an update on the Social Innovation Hackathon 2024. After a rigorous selection process, we are thrilled to announce the shortlisted teams that will advance to the final pitch! Shortlisted Teams: Temasek Secondary School Evergreen Secondary School Fuhua Secondary School Edgefield Secondary School Raffles Girls' School Methodist Girls' School Yuan Ching Secondary School Cedar Girls' Secondary School Mayflower Secondary School Loyang View Secondary School What’s Next? In the lead-up to the final pitch, teams are busy refining their projects and preparing their presentations. We encourage everyone to follow our updates and support these inspiring teams as they work tirelessly to make a difference. Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the grand finale of the Social Innovation Hackathon 2024!

In a world where challenges can sometimes seem insurmountable, stories of resilience and determination shine brightly. One such story is that of Renuka Vadivellu, whose journey of rediscovery is nothing short of inspiring. Renuka's life took an unexpected turn in 2016 when she experienced severe medical complications that resulted in the amputation of her hands and lower limbs. Renuka seized the opportunity to join Make The Change's iPad workshop. Thanks to the support of the Temasek Trust-CDC Lifelong Learning Enabling Fund, she was able to embark on a journey of rediscovery and empowerment. Using simple yet ingenious techniques like anchoring a pencil with a band, she proved that creativity knows no bounds. Renuka's resilience and creativity shone through as she found innovative ways to overcome obstacles. For Renuka, the workshop was more than just a learning experience – it was a chance to rediscover the joy of creating art. Through painting mandala patterns and drawing landscapes on her iPad, she found solace and relaxation in her newfound skills. Renuka's journey serves as a powerful reminder that resilience and determination can overcome even the greatest of obstacles. Click here to read more on Straits Times article! Click here to learn more about this workshop!

LinkedIn stands out as a powerhouse platform for career advancement, networking opportunities and personal branding. Recognizing this, our recent LinkedIn Workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills and strategies needed to stand out on LinkedIn. We extended a warm invitation to our Younite community as it was an ideal opportunity for members to enhance their skills. Hosted online, the workshop brought individuals from different time zones united by a common goal: to elevate their LinkedIn profiles and expand their career horizons. Let's delve into the key topics covered during this enriching session: Optimizing Your Profile Your LinkedIn profile is your digital business card, and making a strong first impression is crucial. Participants learned how to craft a compelling profile that highlights their unique skills, experiences, and achievements. From crafting a captivating headline to optimizing the summary section, they gained practical insights into optimizing every aspect of their profiles for maximum impact. Keyword Optimization In the vast ocean of LinkedIn profiles, strategic keyword placement can make a difference. Our workshop delved into the art of keyword optimization, teaching participants how to identify and incorporate relevant keywords strategically throughout their profiles. By aligning their profiles with industry-specific terms and phrases, attendees learned how to enhance their visibility and attract the right opportunities. Networking Strategies Mastering effective networking strategies is essential for career growth. Participants explored a range of networking tactics, from connecting to engaging in meaningful conversations within LinkedIn. By fostering authentic connections and nurturing professional relationships, participants discovered how to expand their networks and unlock new opportunities. Trending Topics Staying abreast of trending topics and industry news is key to stay credible and trustworthy. Our workshop highlighted the importance of staying informed about industry trends, news, and relevant discussions. Participants learned how to leverage trending topics to spark conversations, engage with their audience, and establish themselves as authoritative voices in their respective fields. In conclusion, our LinkedIn Training Workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiasm and engagement of our participants. As we reflect on the valuable insights shared, we look forward to continute this journey of professional growth together. Be sure to keep a look out for future workshops and events as we remain committed to empower individuals to unlock their full potential on LinkedIn and beyond. Click here to learn more about what we do in Younite!

On 30th September, Make The Change organised a graduation ceremony for our PWD learners. They participated in different type of programmes with some successfully completing a multiple of them. The learning programmes comprises of Communication Design For Marketing, Marketing for the Digital Age, Website Design and E-commerce, Content Creation - Graphic Design, Content Creation - Video, Storytelling and Animation, Content Creation - Writing and Copywriting and Content Writing Programme. These programmes were held over the last 2 years, with some being online due to the pandemic. The MTC committee together with the programme educators as well as the participants were more than delighted to be able to re-connect in person through this event. These programmes were only made possible with the help from multiple parties and in particular, Jerome from SGEnable. We look forward to organising more learning programmes for many more PWD learners in the years to come!

In February, we hosted our first workshop of the year where our Younite community came together. We had the honour of having Tictag, a company dedicated to empowering beneficiaries by providing them with opportunities to work on meaningful projects. Through their innovative approach, they not only provide employment but also equip their team members with valuable skills in emerging technologies. Throughout the event, participants had the opportunity to delve into the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and explore various aspects of it. From introductory sessions to more advanced topics, participants engaged in hands-on activities covering image classification, bounding boxes, polygonal bounding boxes, image collection, and audio collection. These sessions not only offered valuable insights into the practical applications of AI but also fostered a sense of inclusivity and empowerment among all participants. For many, this event served as a gateway to new opportunities and possibilities. It demonstrated the immense potential of individuals with disabilities and highlighted the importance of creating inclusive spaces within the tech industry. As we reflect on the success of this event, we are inspired to continue our efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Click here to learn more about what we do in Younite. Stay tuned for more updates on future events and initiatives as we strive to make a lasting impact in our community and beyond!