National Youth Climate Activism Award

09/02/2026

Incredible!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CoagZu5wV/?mibextid=wwXIfr

At just 15, Heman Bekele gained global recognition for developing a low-cost soap concept aimed at helping treat skin cancer. 🧪🌟

The Fairfax, Virginia student first developed the idea at 14 and won the 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge. His concept uses imiquimod, a medicine already used against certain skin cancers, combined with lipid-based nanoparticles designed to remain on the skin after washing. Bekele was later named TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year and began working with researchers at Johns Hopkins to study the idea further. The treatment is still experimental and would require extensive testing before clinical use.



References:
TIME: Heman Bekele Is TIME’s 2024 Kid Of The Year.
3M: Young Scientist Challenge Recognizes Heman Bekele’s Skin Cancer Soap Innovation.
Johns Hopkins Medicine: Melanoma And Skin Cancer Research Focuses On Developing And Testing New Therapies.

08/27/2026

Great to see Melody still hard at work in her community.

There is a big difference between programming for young people and programming with young people. 💚🌱

The recent ASK Salt Spring gathering featured Transition Salt Spring’s own Andria Scanlan and youth climate leader Melody Silva. The discussion focused on how our community can better support, mentor, and compensate young changemakers on Salt Spring, with Melody offering some great ideas.

Just a little bit about Melody: from winning national awards to launching a month-long recycling pilot at GISS, Melody and her peers are showing us what real youth-led climate action looks like.

👉 Read the Full ASK Salt Spring Report on the SS Exchange.

08/14/2026

Rather in genius, don’t you think?

07/26/2026

There is no single path to climate action.

These six young Canadians are proving that every voice, every idea, and every action can make a difference. Congratulations once again to our 2026 National Youth Climate Activism Award winners! 🌱💚

07/20/2026

This will get you thinking. 

07/19/2026

Something to think about for sure

Heading to the beach this summer? ☀️🏖️

Your actions can create a ripple effect! 🌊

An eco-friendly beach day is about enjoying the coast while helping protect the oceans we all depend on. Our Ripple Effect program helps youth understand the connections between ocean health, climate action, and the choices we make every day. 🌎💙

🔗 https://programs.greenlearning.ca/the-ripple-effect

07/19/2026

Melody’s work continues in her community. You can also read her winning entry for the national YCAA this year.
Had to our website

https://www.nationalycaa.org/2026-winners/melody-silva

07/15/2026

🎬 Meet the Storyteller.

At just 18 years old, Melody Silva is helping young people transform climate anxiety into climate action.

From directing a documentary on the impacts of fish farming on BC's wild salmon to using improv theatre, scientific research, and student leadership to inspire change, Melody demonstrates that climate advocacy can take many forms.

She also restarted her school's Earth Club, organized eco-events, contributed to climate adaptation research, and is preparing for a future in environmental law, where she hopes to connect science, advocacy, and policy to protect the natural world.

As Melody reminds us, meaningful change doesn't begin with perfection. It begins by taking that first step. 💚

🎥 You can also watch Melody's full-length documentary on her National YCAA winner profile. Link in our bio.


Transition Salt Spring Society