Rise & Stride: Mentorship in Motion

On a bright Saturday morning, the Social Impact Sub-committee of YWLC transformed the simple act of walking into a powerful mentorship experience through "Rise & Stride" – a new initiative under the Pay-it-Forward Mentorship Programme.

The morning saw 34 participants divided into 14 intimate groups, each embarking on a scenic 45-minute journey from Stadium MRT to the iconic Singapore Flyer. But this wasn't just any walk – it was carefully designed as a "walk and talk" mentoring session where conversations flowed as freely as the steps taken.

Traditional mentorship settings can sometimes feel formal or intimidating. The organising committee wanted to create an environment where meaningful conversations could happen naturally, side-by-side rather than across a table. That was how the idea of a walk came about.

Walking together removes the pressure of constant eye contact and creates a shared experience, allowing both mentors and mentees to engage in more authentic dialogue. The carefully selected route, with its spectacular views of Marina Bay, provided both occasional talking points and photo taking spots when needed.

As the groups converged at the Singapore Flyer, the energy was palpable despite the hot weather. What began as separate conversations had transformed into a collective experience of growth and connection.

By creating space for organic engagement, YWLC continues to explore innovative mentorship approaches and meets participants where they are, encouraging them to rise and stride forward together.

Executive Committee: Tay Xiu-Ling, Urmila Baskara

Organising Committee: Krithika Balasubramaniam, Tan Cheau Kim, Tay Shi Pei