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As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, we’re excited to share what our passionate and purpose-driven youths have been working on. From ideation to community engagement, the youths are not only imagining change—they're actively creating it. Celebrating Youth Initiatives for Change 🫱🏼‍🫲🏿 Collaborating with Communities Some of the teams have been actively engaging with community partners and stakeholders beyond the programme. These meaningful collaborations help them gain fresh perspectives, validate their ideas, and better align their initiatives with the needs on the ground. It’s heartening to see these youths take ownership of their learning, reaching out to experts and showing initiative beyond the classroom. Project Unbottled Project Unbottled continues to champion youth awareness and appreciation for the often-overlooked members of our community. Earlier this April, in celebration of Labour Day, the team led a school-wide appreciation at Nan Hua High School . They mobilized student volunteers to handwrite personalized letters to every teaching and non-teaching staff member. Beyond the school grounds, they actively run a youth-centered Instagram page that tackles important issues like racism and gender inequality. They post weekly to spark conversation and encourage a culture of kindness, inclusion, and awareness. Project Seawing Project Seawing is a youth-driven initiative raising awareness about the endangered hawksbill turtle. Through activities like the “Biodiversity Beach Patrol” along East Coast beaches and exhibit showcases, the team builds empathy and educates the public on marine conservation. By bringing conservation into public spaces and combining fieldwork with storytelling, Project Seawing empowers youth voices in environmental action. Their momentum is a powerful reminder of how young people can catalyze real-world change for our oceans. Project Hustle Project Hustle had a collaborative initiative alongside St. Andrew's Junior School to promote physical activity in an inclusive and engaging way. The team designed a dual-component programme comprising at-home bonding exercises and a carnival-style recess activity to encourage consistent movement through fun and gamified experiences. With inclusive games like Ball Toss, Tic-Tac-Toe Challenges, and a Memory Sprint, they created a lively, peer-supported environment that made fitness engaging. Their reward system, which included prizes like fitness trackers and goodie bags, further motivated students and demonstrated a clear understanding of behaviour-based encouragement. The team’s creativity and attention to impact, especially for less-active students, made their approach both meaningful and memorable. 💡 Diverse Projects, United by Purpose While the themes and approaches differ, the projects all share a common thread— youth-led solutions for a better tomorrow . Exciting things are coming to you! Stay tuned for more stories from our changemakers. If you're part of this journey as a mentor, partner, or friend, thank you for believing in the power of youth.

Make The Change conducted a Cyber Wellness Talk at ITE College Central , where we covered a range of essential topics to equip students with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the online space safely and responsibly. The workshop focused on online etiquette , screen time and digital habits , and Artificial Intelligence . To reinforce the key concepts shared during the session, students were given opportunities to participate in hands-on activities and real-time reflections. From responding about their own device habits to distinguishing between authentic and misleading headlines, these interactive moments allowed students to apply what they learned in a practical and relatable context, deepening their understanding of responsible digital behaviour. One of the students even came forward to share and reflect on his story of falling victim to an online scam, thus bringing a more personal outlook to the session. Many individuals who have experienced online scams are often embarrassed to speak about their experiences so we greatly appreciated his courage in openly sharing his story for others to learn from. The same can also be said for cyberbullying cases, which often goes unreported, yet have tremendous psychological impacts on students. We hope to have instilled a sense of responsibility in these students for how they interact online and how they treat others in the digital space through this talk. For more information on our Cyber Wellness Programme, or to schedule a session for your school, please contact us!

How Make The Change is Empowering Organisations to Embrace Diversity through Inclusive Hiring At Make The Change, we believe that creating a truly inclusive society begins in the workplace. That’s why we were proud to contribute to the Inclusive Hiring Toolkit , a comprehensive guide designed to help organisations transform their hiring processes and workplace culture to support talents from diverse backgrounds. Developed in partnership with social enterprises, corporates, and community organisations, the toolkit offers actionable insights and practical tools to support inclusive hiring—from the first job post to long-term retention. 🌍 What is Inclusive Hiring? Inclusive Hiring is the intentional practice of recruiting and retaining talents with diverse needs —including persons with disabilities, seniors, ex-offenders, caregivers, individuals with mental health challenges, and youth-at-risk. It moves beyond charity and CSR, shifting the focus to dignified employment and mutual value creation . 💡 Key Learnings from the Toolkit Start with the “Why” Many misconceptions still surround inclusive hiring—such as the belief that it’s too costly, difficult to implement, or a form of charity. The toolkit helps organisations reframe these myths by showcasing how inclusive practices: Increase innovation and productivity Enhance brand reputation Reduce turnover and absenteeism Attract young and socially conscious talent Inclusive Hiring Is a Journey The toolkit outlines a 3-stage roadmap: Pre-Boarding : Rethink job roles, partner with job coaches, and prepare inclusive-friendly policies Preparation : Train staff, redesign workspaces if needed, and align internal expectations Onboarding & Retention : Provide buddy systems, mentorship, regular reviews, and career development pathways Empathy, Not Assumptions Using tools like Empathy Mapping , organisations can better understand the needs, fears, and strengths of both inclusive talents and existing teams. This fosters mutual respect and smoother integration. Assets Matter The Asset-Based Assessment tool shifts the focus from “what’s missing” to “what’s strong.” Whether it’s existing technology, flexible work policies, or team culture—every organisation has strengths it can leverage. Plan for the Risks The Risk Assessment tool supports thoughtful decision-making. By identifying potential challenges—such as miscommunication, integration concerns, or mismatched expectations—leaders can put proactive support in place. 🚀 From Toolkit to Transformation One inspiring example is Genashtim, a B Corp-certified company employing more than 50% persons with disabilities across 20 countries. Their roadmap—built on empathy, structure, and strategic planning—demonstrates what’s possible when inclusion is a business priority. 🛠️ How Make The Change Can Help At Make The Change, we continue to walk the talk: We design inclusive training programmes for persons with disabilities and youth-at-risk We consult companies on inclusive hiring strategy and job redesign We co-develop tools like this toolkit to make inclusion practical and scalable 💬 Join Us in Making the Change Whether you’re just starting or looking to deepen your inclusive practices, this toolkit is a powerful first step. 📥 Download the Inclusive Hiring Toolkit 📧 Contact us to explore inclusive hiring strategies or customised training for your organisation. 🌱 Let’s build a future where every talent has a place to grow and thrive.

Are you an educator looking to transform your classroom management skills? Or perhaps you're a professional seeking to enhance your communication abilities in any setting? Our Vocal Techniques Workshop is designed just for you! Unlock the Power of Your Voice Voice control is more than just speaking; it’s about commanding attention, conveying authority, and fostering a positive environment. Whether you’re teaching a class, leading a meeting, or speaking in public, the way you use your voice can make all the difference. Why This Workshop is a Game-Changer In our workshop, you'll dive deep into essential vocal techniques that go beyond traditional classroom management. You’ll focus on these key areas: Clear Communication:  Practice clear and concise verbal communication to ensure students understand expectations and instructions Deliberate Pausing:  Explore the power of pausing to emphasise critical points, manage classroom attention, and provide students with time to process information Use Non-Verbal Communication:  Combine vocal techniques with non-verbal cues (body language) to reinforce your messages effectively Beyond the Classroom While our workshop focuses on classroom applications, the skills you’ll gain are invaluable in any context. These techniques are essential for effective leadership, public speaking, and professional presentations, making this workshop beneficial for anyone looking to enhance their vocal presence and confidence in various settings. What You’ll Gain Enhanced Classroom Management:  Use your voice to create a positive, engaging learning environment. Improved Public Speaking:  Captivate any audience with dynamic and confident speech. Better Personal Interactions:  Communicate more effectively in everyday conversations. Register Now! Whether you’re an educator, a professional, or anyone looking to improve their communication skills, take the first step towards mastering the art of vocal control. Click here  to register and unlock the power of your voice!

The Youth For Change   (YFC) program, powered by the National Youth Council (NYC) , successfully wrapped up its latest edition, leaving a lasting impact on young changemakers. Over the course of the program, participants gained invaluable skills in critical thinking, project management, and collaboration , while working on real-world community initiatives. Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders At its core, YFC is more than just a youth program—it is a launchpad for action . Participants engaged in hands-on learning, guided by experienced mentors who provided structured training in leadership, problem-solving, and social impact strategies. Beyond the Showcase: Inspiring Long-Term Impact One of the highlights of the program was the Final Showcase , where participants presented their projects and shared their journey with an audience of peers, industry professionals, and community leaders. However, the impact of YFC went beyond the showcase, inspiring more youths to explore opportunities and collaboration to sustain their initiatives. Building a Stronger Youth Community Through YFC, we saw the power of collaboration, with participants forming lasting connections, turning ideas into action, and creating tangible impact in their communities. The enthusiasm displayed by the youths reinforced the importance of sustained engagement, and we are excited to further scale these initiatives. As we celebrate the success of this cycle, we are already looking ahead to welcoming the next batch of passionate youth. We are committed to refining the program further, expanding outreach efforts, and bringing in even more opportunities for young changemakers to thrive. If you are eager to drive social change, develop essential skills, and be part of a vibrant, impact-driven community, keep an eye out for our next call for applications! 🚀 Check out what happened!

The conversation around ageing has broadened, which encompasses emotional and mental well-being. In recent announcements, Minister for Health, Mr Ong Ye Kung , emphasises a shift towards integrated care, calling for strong collaboration among providers. As part of this vision, Mr Ong introduced the CHOPE framework, focusing on five pillars: Coordination, Health, Outreach, Partnership and Engagement . At its core, CHOPE reflects a commitment to working together, ensuring that services are not just available, but meaningfully connected and responsive to the evolving needs of seniors. The Growing Need for Mental Wellness Support Despite expanded services and improved accessibility, many seniors continue to face emotional challenges such as loneliness, anxiety and depression. The silent weight of these struggles often goes unnoticed, yet their impact is profound—affecting quality of life, motivation and overall health. This is where community-based programmes that focus on mental wellness and emotional expression become essential. Introducing Digital Journaling Here, we are committed to supporting seniors not only through skills-based workshops but also through initiatives that promote inner well-being and self-expression. Our hands-on programme, Mindful Moments , introduced seniors to digital journaling as a creative and therapeutic outlet. The goal is to create safe, accessible space for seniors to reconnect with their thoughts, reflect on their lives, and express themselves in a way that is modern and meaningful. Unlike traditional tech classes, Mindful Moments centres around emotional empowerment. Many seniors would enter the programme unsure about using a tablet, but soon discover the joy of creating something uniquely theirs. Aligning with National Goals As we embrace the CHOPE model and integrated care, mental wellness will remain part of the equation. Every senior deserves the opportunity to feel heard, valued and engaged. Interested in bringing Mindful Moments to your centre or organisation? Contact us today to explore how you can be a part of this journey towards holistic aging!

Written by Hazel Tan, Guan Ziyue, and Ng Yennzy from Raffles Girls' School (Secondary) In the course of the past two weeks during the June Holidays, we have had the opportunity to intern under Make The Change and our experience has been nothing but fulfilling. To enter the office and meet great supervisors, friendly peers and a soft hot pink sofa was more than we could have ever asked for. During our internship, we had the chance to learn and develop a diverse set of skills, including Wix, Procreate, AR Makr, Clips and more! Together with the visual literacy workshop we attended, we discovered new ways to express ourselves. The first thing we were tasked with was to sort out Padlet creations by both primary and secondary school students, under the New Media programme by MTC. This allowed us to gain exposure to the sheer number of people that MTC reaches out to. However, as we began to delve deeper into how the organisation functions, we quickly realised that schools were merely the tip of the iceberg. MTC’s extensive efforts to make a difference in the lives of countless individuals were inspiring, and left us in awe of their commitment and dedication to empowering others. Paying it forward, we also had the chance to help facilitate a workshop for children aged 7-12 at IMDA’s Bring your Kids to Work Day. We had a lot of fun interacting with the children, and assisting them with Clips and AR MAKR to create their own virtual zoo. We also learnt more about classroom management by observing how our supervisors carried out the session. We also had the opportunity to attend the online graduation ceremony of the refugee beneficiaries of M.A.D School’s job readiness creative programme. Throughout the ceremony, there was a constant outpour of gratitude in the chat, as the beneficiaries thanked the trainers for their support throughout the programme, which made us realise that we had to appreciate the finer things in life. It made our hearts full and we better understood how a single programme could make a huge, lasting difference in someone else’s life. Seeing the tremendous impact this programme had on the beneficiaries, we are inspired to make a difference in someone else’s lives too. Over the two weeks, we also aided MTC’s outreach efforts in various ways. We wrote articles summing up the Social Innovation Hackathon and IMDA workshop, coupled with Instagram posts on MTC’s Instagram. We created a promotional video for Younite, posting this on both @younite.sg on Instagram and @makethechangesg on Tik Tok. We also assisted MTC by updating their website and more! Overall, interning at Make The Change has shown us how a social enterprise functions and the potential each and everyone of us has to create positive change in the community and beyond. This multifaceted programme has pushed us to develop our critical thinking and acted as a safe space for us to explore our interests, which is something we are very thankful for. We are extremely grateful for this opportunity that has proven to be a memorable one. We couldn’t have asked for a more meaningful way to spend our June holidays. As they always say, once a changemaker, always a changemaker!

This November 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming six enthusiastic students from Raffles Girls’ School (RGS) for their internship. Each student brought their own spark, energy, and creativity to our initiatives throughout the month. The students: Chloe, Van, Odelia, Megan, Anantika, and Charlotte —joined us across different weeks and contributed meaningfully across various projects and workshops. Chloe , our first intern, started even before November officially began. Despite being only a Secondary One student, she demonstrated an impressive level of commitment and independence, balancing school responsibilities with her internship both remotely and in-person. Chloe supported external activities, helped design brochures for our programmes, handled data entry, and volunteered during our Digital Arts For All sessions. Her dedication and proactive spirit were deeply appreciated by the entire team. Anantika  joined in the first week of November and quickly impressed us with her artistic flair. She created custom digital stickers for our media programmes, imaginative visuals that will continue to be used in our future content and workshops. By the second week of November, we welcomed Van, Odelia, Megan, and Charlotte , who jumped straight into hands-on volunteering activities. They supported our Digital Drawing Workshop for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)  held at the Enabling Village, assisted in our iPad for Learning sessions for teachers at Qihua Primary School, and contributed to senior workshops at various active ageing centres focused on digital literacy and online safety. A highlight for many was the opportunity to connect and collaborate with students from different schools through our Youth For Change  interactive workshop. These inter-school bonds created a memorable and empowering experience, showing how young people from different schools can come together with a shared purpose to drive social impact. Van, Odelia, Reese & Amanda (from left to right) We also want to give a special shoutout to two amazing Youth For Change teams, Project Unbottled  and Project Hustle , for being a part of this changemaker journey. Their presence and initiative were an inspiration to their peers. It was a month of growth not just for our team but for the students too, who gained firsthand experience in community work, tech-enabled education, and inclusive engagement. To our RGS interns, thank you for your time, heart, and willingness to learn. We’re so glad to have been a part of your journey!

What does it mean to walk alongside someone in their moment of greatest need? For the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Singapore , it means offering help, hope, and dignity to refugees and displaced people—no matter who they are or where they come from. A Catholic organisation with a global mission, JRS is part of a larger network that accompanies, serves, and advocates for people who have been forced to flee their homes. In Singapore, JRS operates as a proud member of CHARIS  (Caritas Humanitarian Aid & Relief Initiatives, Singapore), the humanitarian arm of the Catholic Church. Together, they extend a compassionate hand to communities affected by displacement, conflict, and crisis. Honouring Resilience Through Art Each year on June 20th , the world comes together to mark World Refugee Day —a time to reflect on the courage, struggles, and hopes of millions of refugees around the globe. For 2025, JRS Singapore hosted a Digital Art Competition  to commemorate this important day, calling on the public to express solidarity in creative and meaningful ways. As partners for this initiative, we had the honour of serving as judges for the competition. We selected winners based on three key criteria: creativity, message, and impact . The submissions moved us deeply—each one telling a unique story that captured the strength and resilience of refugee communities. The winning designs were nothing short of powerful. Through bold colours, symbolic imagery, and heartfelt captions, these artworks shed light on the journey of displacement and the unwavering spirit that persists in the face of adversity. To learn more about the winning entries, the artists behind them, do check out their social media platforms ! Though World Refugee Day 2025 has passed, the need to stand in solidarity with refugees continues. Through creativity, compassion and every day actions, we can keep their voices heard and their stories seen.

In June 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting a student, Jhananya, from Singapore Chinese Girls’ School  for a two-week internship at Make The Change. Though brief, she had a fulfilling experience learning various skills and connecting with the people around her. Jhananya's Involvement One of the highlights of the experience was taking part in the Digital Arts For All (DAFA) Workshop  at Muscular Dystrophy Association Singapore (MDAS). Jhananya volunteered at MDAS and assisted the beneficiaries. This hands-on involvement served as an excellent opportunity for her to gain a profound sense of empathy and have a deeper understanding of the challenges they face in daily life. Also, this gave her a renewed appreciation for accessibility in the arts. Another key experience was the Procreate Workshop at Apple Orchard as part of the Creative Confidence activity .  During the session, Jhananya had the opportunity to discover how drawing on Procreate empowers artistic and imaginative expression. This workshop sparked insights into the scope of creativity in technology. Jhananya was then encouraged to use the knowledge gained in this workshop to brainstorm solutions that help students feel less stressed during examinations. She fulfilled the assignment by presenting a thoughtful visual in the form of a drawing illustrating one of the myriad solutions brainstormed. It addressed a common and relatable issue faced by many students by blending arts and empathy.  Through these enriching experiences, Jhananya was not only able to develop her artistic and technological abilities, but also grew communication and innovation skills, thus emerging with a more confident voice. Going Above and Beyond Jhananya stood out for her genuine commitment to understanding MTC and how social enterprises worked. Her eagerness to gain insights into what working life truly entails was evident as she frequently asked thoughtful questions about working culture and day-to-day operations. She even volunteered her Saturday to support the MTC team at the NTU Social Science Challenge Networking Day, highlighting her unwavering dedication towards making a meaningful impact.  Beyond that, Jhananya’s positive energy was contagious. Her efforts to encourage others, foster a sense of camaraderie and take the lead in group settings helped the June interns grow more bonded. Her qualities indeed reflect the very essence of the Changemaker skillsets  we aim to cultivate in our interns.  Jhananya's Reflection "The various tasks that were given to us helped to train us to expand our worldview and to think more critically about the various challenges faced by various groups in the community around us." Despite some of the initial challenges faced, Jhananya took them in her stride, seeking support from the mentors and her fellow interns. From the chaotic lunches and insightful conversations to working together on various tasks, she found her experience to be extremely beneficial and fun.  We are heartened to see how open she has been in embracing different working styles and exploring multiple perspectives in various situations, and we look forward to welcoming more interns in 2nd half of 2025!

Jacky, Rachel & Nabilah (from left to right) In June 2025, we had the pleasure of hosting two students from Etonhouse International School  for a three-day internship. During these three days, they attended a workshop and worked on a Social Innovation project. Overall, they had a rich and fun-filled experience with Make The Change (MTC). Reimagine Change with Design Thinking Through an interactive Social Innovation workshop, they explored key concepts such as social entrepreneurship, social innovation, and social enterprise. They eagerly worked on their real-world project  about water scarcity and undernourishment. They made extensive use of design thinking to come up with two solutions to address these issues – a water sensor and hybrid food technology. After that, they did prototyping and presented their products enthusiastically. With the feedback given, they demonstrated a thoughtful and detailed approach to improving their work. They reflected on their progress and research, and were appreciative of the opportunity to explore real-world issues in depth. The highlight of their project was learning how to develop practical and feasible solutions that could benefit the community in the long run.  Their Reflections “I gained many valuable experiences – such as learning how to cooperate with others and how to identify global problems…” – Jacky “I truly enjoyed my time at MTC, and I plan to apply the skills I’ve gained, especially in critical thinking, creativity, and communication, to future projects and in school.” – Rachel Jacky and Rachel certainly learnt many useful skills and are empowered to contribute more to their school and community. Their journey reminds us that even short-term internships can bring about many small yet meaningful experiences. We hope that they will continue to explore their passions and create innovative solutions as young changemakers of our future!

Bella, Ru En, Deshna, Gwendolyn, Nathaniel, Jayden (from left to right) Six students from Serangoon Garden Secondary School completed a week-long internship (Young Changemaker Programme). Let's hear from some of them as they highlight the variety of skills they were able to hone through the program, as well as the significant contributions they made to the organisation.  Students' Reflections "I learnt so many new things about this company (Make The Change) and I learnt more about my strengths and what I am good at. They are an amazing company and I would do it again!" (Gwendolyn) "I've learnt how to work with people with different backgrounds. I have also learnt more about my skills and improved on them, as well as come up with solutions for different innovative social areas such as animal welfare." (Bella) Students developed their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, as they had to identify the social challenges faced by different communities, whilst ideating solutions. A Meaningful Journey  Through the internship, the students were able to get a taste of what it is like to run a social enterprise in Singapore and conduct initiatives to benefit various vulnerable groups. To find out more about the other stories Young Changemaker Programme, read here !