At Loving Heart, we believe that some of life's most meaningful lessons happen beyond the classroom through experiences that inspire growth, purpose, and service.

This year, we were delighted to welcome two interns who journeyed alongside our team, gaining valuable insights into the social service sector while contributing meaningfully to the community. Through their internships, they developed practical workplace skills, strengthened their confidence, and experienced firsthand how compassion and teamwork can make a positive difference in the lives of others.

What made this year's internship experience especially meaningful was that one of our interns chose to return after completing her internship with us the previous year. Her decision to come back speaks volumes about the sense of purpose, learning, and belonging that interns can find at Loving Heart.

Returning with Purpose

For Ms Chan Jia Yu, her internship journey came full circle when she returned to Loving Heart for a second internship.

Her relationship with the organisation began as a volunteer and mentor before she later joined the team as an intern. Experiencing Loving Heart from multiple perspectives allowed her to gain a deeper appreciation of both the direct interactions with beneficiaries and the extensive planning that takes place behind the scenes.

Reflecting on her journey, Jia Yu shared:

"My journey with Loving Heart Jurong began as a volunteer and mentor, which eventually led me to the opportunity to intern. Experiencing LHJ from both perspectives allowed me to understand not only what happens onsite, but also the planning and preparation behind the scenes."

During her first internship, Jia Yu was introduced to various aspects of the organisation's work, including supporting the Food Gift Programme and developing resources for children's programmes.

Returning for a second internship gave her the opportunity to take on greater responsibilities and contribute on a deeper level. One of her key projects involved supporting the Loving Heart Gala Charity Dinner 2026, where she assisted in producing a video montage and coordinating aspects of the silent auction. Through this experience, she witnessed the dedication, teamwork, and perseverance required to bring a large-scale fundraising event to life.

Among the many experiences she encountered, one moment stood out most.

"One moment that stayed with me was when a former mentee, now a mentor, recognised me from my first internship. It reminded me that even small actions and simply being present can leave a meaningful impact."

For Jia Yu, the experience reinforced the value of investing in others, even when the impact may not be immediately visible.

As her internship journey came to an end, she reflected on how the experience had shaped her both personally and professionally.

"'From Possibility to Purpose' became more than just a tagline. It reflected my journey with LHJ. I am grateful to have grown not only through the experiences, but alongside a team I deeply cherish and appreciate."

Her decision to return for a second internship is a testament to the meaningful opportunities, mentorship, and strong sense of community that she found at Loving Heart.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

For Ms Janis Lim, her internship was an opportunity to step beyond her comfort zone and explore new possibilities.

Serving as an Operations Support Officer with the Children and Youth Department, she supported programme operations while gaining exposure to media and marketing initiatives. From creating social media content to producing videos, Janis explored new ways to express her creativity while developing valuable digital communication skills.

Reflecting on her experience, she shared:

"My internship at Loving Heart was a meaningful experience that gave me the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone, try new things, and gain hands-on experience in different areas."

One of the highlights of her internship was supporting the FoodGift+ 2.0 Programme, where she conducted surveys with residents. These conversations provided her with a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by families and the importance of community support.

More importantly, the experience allowed her to connect with residents on a personal level.

"One of the most meaningful parts of my internship was interacting directly with members of the community and understanding their needs and perspectives."

Beyond community engagement, Janis also contributed to programme evaluation and impact assessment efforts. Through these opportunities, she gained insight into how data, feedback, and thoughtful planning help strengthen programmes and enhance support for beneficiaries.

Throughout her internship, she found encouragement and guidance from those around her.

"My colleagues were friendly, approachable, and always willing to offer guidance whenever I needed help, making it easier for me to learn and grow throughout my internship."

Her experience serves as a reminder that growth often happens when we embrace new challenges and remain open to learning from others.

Building Future Leaders

Interns bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and youthful energy to our organisation. In turn, we strive to provide experiences that help them grow professionally, develop personally, and discover the value of serving others.

We are grateful for the contributions that Jia Yu and Janis have made during their time with us, and we are proud to have been part of their learning journeys. Their stories remind us that internships are about more than gaining work experience. They are opportunities to discover purpose, build meaningful connections, and create a positive impact in the community.

Join Us on the Journey

Are you looking for an internship that offers more than just workplace experience?

At Loving Heart, you'll have the opportunity to develop valuable skills, work alongside passionate individuals, engage directly with the community, and see how your efforts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Whether you're exploring a future career path or simply looking for an opportunity to learn and grow, we invite you to journey with us.

Stay connected for future internship opportunities and be part of a journey where you can learn, grow, and serve with purpose. ❤️