SINDA’s ITELP Nurtures Youth Leaders Through Real-World Community Action

The programme equipped 30 ITE students with leadership skills through real-world community engagement, empowering them to drive positive social impact.

“Last year, I was a participant trying to navigate the activities. This year, I returned as a facilitator guiding others. ITELP has shown me that leadership and teamwork go far beyond roles or titles. Through guiding participants, I realised that leadership is not about being the most vocal person in the room, but about supporting others, staying calm under pressure, and helping the team move forward even through challenging moments. ITELP has strengthened my confidence and ability to adapt in different situations, while reinforcing to me that growth often happens outside of comfort zones.” — Amirtharashma D/O Vasanthakumar, 18, ITELP Facilitator

1. 23 May 2026 – The Singapore Indian Development Association (SINDA) concluded its ITE Leadership Programme (ITELP) 2026, equipping 30 Institute of Technical Education (ITE) students with leadership, teamwork and community engagement skills through hands-on community initiatives.

2. Designed to nurture confident, empathetic and service-oriented youths, the six-week programme combined structured learning with practical community engagement. Participants worked in teams to design and execute projects under the Act of Kindness (AOK) initiative, addressing issues such as social isolation and mental well-being.

3. “SINDA is deeply committed to ensuring that our youth have the opportunities and resources to become young changemakers. ITELP is one such effort that allows them to grow through real-world meaningful community engagement. Beyond developing confidence and teamwork, the programme encourages participants to lead with empathy and contribute positively to the community,” said Mr Anbarasu Rajendran, CEO, SINDA.

4. On 16 and 17 May 2026, participants engaged with 150 migrant workers from Syscon Pte Ltd and 100 elderly residents at Clementi Cascadia Residents’ Network, respectively. The activities were aimed at fostering social connection, well-being and social inclusion. Through these interactions, youth translated their learnings into real-world impact, applying leadership values in community settings.

5. “Partnerships like this create meaningful opportunities for migrant workers to feel seen, appreciated and connected to the wider community. Through the activities organised by the youth, many of the workers were able to take a break from their daily routines, build new social connections and experience a sense of belonging. We are grateful for this opportunity to collaborate with SINDA in creating positive and uplifting experiences for the workers.” shared Mohamed Syakir Abdullah, Dormitory Manager, Syscon Pte Ltd.

6. Guided by the theme ‘Servant Leadership’, the programme focused on values such as empathy, listening, and community-building. This year, 10 participants took on facilitator roles, guiding their peers and supporting programme delivery throughout the journey. Through mentorship and collaborative activities, participants strengthened their confidence, communication and problem-solving skills while learning the value of serving others.

7. 20-year-old ITELP participant, Suguneshvaran S/O K. Kaliswaran, reflected on his experience: “Through our interactions with the migrant workers, I gained greater confidence in my communication skills, appreciating how even small actions can create a stronger sense of belonging for others.” He also shared how youth like him can contribute positively towards strengthening the community through purposeful initiatives and engagement such as these.

8. Prior to the programme, participants underwent an orientation camp and participated in ‘Mission X’ by the National Youth Council (NYC). ‘Mission X’ provided participants with an experiential learning platform that strengthened their leadership, teamwork and resilience, through outdoor and scenario-based activities.

9. ITELP concluded on 23 May 2026 with a graduation and showcase session, where participants presented their projects and reflected on their learning journey. The event was held at ITE College Central and was graced by Guest-of-Honour, Mr Ng Shi Xuan, Member of Parliament for Sembawang GRC.

10. ITELP reflects SINDA’s broader youth development and leadership efforts and nurtures confident, community-oriented young leaders through experiential learning and meaningful service opportunities that create sustained impact across the community.

For more information and media queries, please contact: corpcomms@sinda.org.sg