From Mentee to Mentor: Akshaya’s Journey Driven by People and Purpose

Akshaya’s journey with Youth Corps Singapore began when she was nominated by SINDA to attend the Youth Corps Leaders Programme (YCLP) Cohort 4 in 2015. She helped to organise the SINDA Youth Leaders’ Seminar (SYLS), a programme she had previously attended as a participant and spent six months working with passionate peers and mentors. Akshaya was recognised for her dedication and leadership, which laid the foundation for her to excel in the YCLP. 

It was during her one-year YCLP journey that Akshaya met Aneesa, who became a strong pillar of support throughout the programme. When Akshaya faced personal struggles, it was Aneesa she turned to, who offered her a listening ear and safe space to be vulnerable. Aneesa’s steady presence helped Akshaya stay grounded, and together they were part of a Team 5Minutes, a group of Youth Corps Leaders, that organised Project Playbook in 2016.

The team members come from different backgrounds but they shared a strong belief in the power of education and the potential of youth. They partnered SportCares on an English Literacy project aimed at boosting the self-esteem and communication skills of student-athletes.

Throughout the programme, Akshaya and her team witnessed a remarkable transformation in the youth they worked with. From hesitant, soft-spoken teens to confident individuals who began stepping up to lead and support their peers. One student in particular, Yugesh, left a lasting impact on Akshaya. Watching him grow from a shy teen to becoming the first Tamil Murasu scholarship recipient, and later, the latest Vasantham Star winner, was a powerful reminder of the effects of volunteering.

Akshaya's passion for public speaking, cultivated through her Youth Corps experiences, has grown into a defining part of her leadership journey. Through numerous opportunities to speak and present during her time with Youth Corps Singapore, she developed confidence, clarity, and a strong presence on stage. This eventually led her to step up as an emcee for various Youth Corps events, where she brought both professionalism and warmth to her role.

One of the most significant milestones in this journey was her role as the emcee for the Opening Ceremony of the Youth Corps’ 10th Anniversary Carnival in July 2024, an event which Prime Minister Lawrence Wong attended as the Guest of Honour. Beyond emceeing, Akshaya has also taken on various roles within Youth Corps, including that of an Associate Facilitator and part of the Facilitator Network, a skills-based cluster that aims to create a community of youths who are able to facilitate discussion and meaningful conversations while volunteering.

“I believe every action, every effort, when performed with the right mindset, helps to effect a positive change in the larger community.” Every individual's volunteering journey starts with the desire to do good. Even starting small with bite-sized opportunities can still create a meaningful impact, as long as there's a genuine desire to spark change.

Join Youth Corps Singapore this Do Good Fest and begin your journey of growth and impact. Sign up here http://go.gov.sg/dgf25-li !