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Competition, like a double-edged sword, has shaped numerous facets of human existence for centuries. From the battlefield to the trading floor, it has ignited innovation, driven progress and bestowed upon us countless achievements.  In today’s fast-paced society, competition is even more prevalent, from the simplest occurrences of attaining a higher score on a test to the current hustle culture of securing a high-paying and well-respected job. Millions of young people step into the arenas of competition every year, and while the spotlight often falls on the winners, the true value of these experiences lies far beyond the trophy. What Youths Really Gain from Competitions Building Real-life Skills We often hear that students are prepared for the test. After all, school grades closely tie into opportunities in the future, with national examinations determining which schools students go to, for instance. Rote memorisation is often a common studying technique used, so most youths are adept at recall and applying learned formulas. Alas, the world today is fraught with complexities, thus demanding the cultivation of critical-thinking skills. We can’t just use a one-size-fits-all approach; youths today need to have a conceptual understanding such that they can grasp the underlying principles of subjects, to apply their knowledge to unfamiliar situations. This is what competitions can provide, as competitions often simulate real-life problems and challenge students to go beyond the school syllabus.  Catalysing self-growth By setting our competitors as standards to beat, competition motivates youths to constantly set new, feasible and progressive benchmarks to overcome. Just look towards the motto of the Olympics, which is “Faster, Higher, Stronger” – it aptly captures the spirit of competitions, motivating individuals to build that strong will and mentality to continually give their better and best, a mindset that will prompt them to be better versions of themselves. Participating in a competition and seeing feats that seem almost impossible being achieved, youths will see this as a challenge and realise how much more they can actually do if they believe it is possible.  Cultivating Confidence & Resilience Knowing that you can win or lose in front of others, putting yourself out there demands courage. Youths learn how to handle pressure, accept feedback and cope with setbacks through competitions. Not every competition ends with a win, yet each loss offers a lesson: the value of persistence, the importance of preparation and the power of learning from mistakes. Over time, this builds real resilience, and this is essential to navigating the many challenges in life.  Fostering Healthy Competition Not all competition is cutthroat. In fact, when framed positively, it teaches youths how to strive for excellence without tearing others down. Youths can learn to celebrate others’ achievements while pursuing their own, to win with humility and lose with grace. It is pivotal to balance ambition with integrity, to not just win by getting an undue advantage, or mocking others when they are not as strong a competitor.  Unlocking New Opportunities Youths get to step out of their more familiar social and academic circles as they meet, compete and collaborate with other youths from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Competitions also often require public speaking or presenting ideas in front of an audience, which hones communication skills that are virtually required in every profession and sets them up for future leadership skills. Moreover, youths who participate in competitions tend to be highly motivated. Youths will feel inspired by interacting with like-minded individuals and get further clarity on their ideas and skill sets by seeking advice from experts in the fields they are pursuing. Hence, competitions can serve as a springboard to work towards their future goals.  Ready to challenge yourself? If you are keen on venturing out of your comfort zone and joining a Youth Competition to challenge yourself, our Design For Good Competition and New Media Youth Competition are now open for all students to join!  Take the Chance, and Make the Change in your life by joining us today!

In June, we conducted an engaging and transformative workshop focused on voice projection, an essential skill for effective communication. This workshop aimed to equip participants with the tools needed to project their voices confidently and clearly in any setting. Skill Development Breathwork To lay a solid foundation for voice projection, we began with breathwork. Participants learned the technique of diaphragmatic breathing, which is crucial for controlling and sustaining one's voice. This hands-on activity allowed everyone to practice and internalize the skill. Clear Communication Clear communication is key to effective voice projection. We introduced various vocal warm-up exercises to enhance this skill, including: Facial muscle exercises: To relax and activate the muscles involved in speech Vowel activity: To improve clarity and articulation Tongue twisters: To enhance diction and agility Deliberate Pausing Understanding the power of pauses in speech can significantly impact how a message is received. We explored different types of pauses and their uses: Sentence pause : To give the audience a moment to absorb information Paragraph pause: To signal a transition or new idea Rhetorical question pause: To engage the audience and provoke thought Participants had the opportunity to practice these pauses in various speaking scenarios, reinforcing their learning through practical application. Conclusion The workshop was a resounding success, with participants leaving equipped with valuable voice projection techniques. These skills are not only beneficial for public speaking but also enhance everyday communication. We look forward to seeing how these new abilities will empower our participants in their personal and professional lives.

At Make The Change, we’ve always believed in building a future where young people thrive through dignity, learning, and purpose-driven opportunities . So when we were invited to speak on Money FM 89.3 ’s Industry Insight with Lynlee Foo, we were deeply honored. The topic? A growing concern in the creative industry— unpaid internships and hustle culture . “Internships should empower, not exploit.” – Pedro Aguirre on Money FM 89.3 Too often, youth eager to break into creative industries are told they need to prove themselves through exposure, unpaid work, or by taking on one internship after another. But this culture is hurting the very pipeline the industry depends on. The Real Cost of “Exposure” Many students—even those in secondary school—are entering a cycle of unpaid internships in hopes of building their portfolios. This “stacking” mentality contributes to: Burnout and disillusionment Lack of real mentorship Financial strain and inequality of access A devaluation of creativity and innovation What Make The Change Is Doing Differently At Make The Change, we’re flipping this narrative: ✅ We offer fair internships that value young people’s time and skills ✅ We provide industry-relevant training in creative media, social innovation, and EdTech ✅ We champion purpose-driven work —equipping youth to design for good and make real impact ✅ We advocate for inclusive, ethical opportunities across all our partners and clients A Call to the Industry This isn’t just a youth problem—it’s an industry problem. If we want creative talent to flourish, we need to invest in young people with responsibility, equity, and support . 💬 Join the Movement We’re calling on educators, businesses, and social enterprises to work with us to build a better system. If you’re ready to empower the next generation ethically and meaningfully: 👉 Contact Us to Collaborate Together, let’s make the change.

The recent Classroom Management Workshop hosted by the Make The Change team was a success! It was tailored specifically for those who were eager to enhance their teaching skills. The workshop delved into crucial aspects such as vocal projection, time management, and innovative strategies for fostering positive classroom dynamics. One of the standout features of the workshop was its comprehensive coverage of key areas essential for successful classroom management. Participants were guided through techniques for vocal projection, on how to modulate their voice, project with clarity and maintain appropriate volume levels, Time management strategies were also explored, where we discussed techniques such as setting clear objectives, implementing efficient transitions to create a more conducive learning classroom environment. What truly sets this workshop apart was its focus on the nuanced art of communication and engagement in the classroom setting. Participants learned how to leverage body language, active listening, and even humor to create an atmosphere conducive to learning. This was all guided through interactive activities, insightful discussions, and practical demonstrations. Armed with these strategies, participants left the workshop feeling empowered to manage their classrooms with confidence, fostering an environment where both students and educators thrive. Building on the success of this workshop, we are inspired to empower educators and trainers further. Keep an eye out for upcoming events dedicated to fostering growth and learning in education!

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!