Kids are amazing, which makes selecting the Time Kid of the Year recipient difficult every year. Their choice for 2024 checks all the boxes and then some. Meet Heman Bekele, the 15-year-old whiz kid who won the top honor this year.
The soft-spoken young man sounds much older than his physical age as he describes his invention. He talks about the process that went into developing it and his thoughts on why this is necessary. He has hopes and dreams and isn’t stopping here.
Hemen Bekele invented a soap that might be able to treat and eventually prevent many forms of skin cancer. Skin cancer, or melanoma, is an increasing threat to anyone who spends time outside. There has been a significant rise in the disease since the depletion of the ozone layer, which became a big issue in the 1970s. If you spend any amount of time in direct sunlight, you are at risk of developing skin cancer.
During an interview with Time, Hemen said, “I’m really passionate about skin cancer research. Whether it’s my research or what’s happening in the field. It’s absolutely incredible to think that one day my bar of soap will be able to make a direct impact on somebody else’s life. That’s the reason I started this all in the first place.” And that is why Hemen was selected as the Time Kid of the Year!
The Future For Time’s Kid Of The Year
We may not see these miracle bars of soap on our store shelves anytime soon. There will be patents, manufacturing, and federal approval hoops to jump through. In the meantime, Hemen will continue working to perfect this invention. This dedicated young man spends some of his spare time at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore, Maryland. He continues working toward his dream.
Hemen describes his work with the passion of a seasoned scientist. He began experimenting at a very young age and has a great future ahead of him. He concentrates his efforts on soap because “everyone uses soap.” It is the most effective way to provide prevention and treatment for a threat that affects everyone. That innovative forward-thinking in creating a universal product will take Hemen far.
Although this product could make him millions, Hemen strives to make it available through a non-profit organization. His goal is to make it more widely available to all people who need it, not just those with deep pockets. How refreshing is that?
One of Hemen’s favorite things to do in his spare time is marching band, where he plays the flute. He also plays chess, basketball, and reads. He understands the importance of a well-blended life of work and play. At 15, Hemen has many years ahead of him to continue his research into finding a cure and treatment for a disease affecting many people.
Please join us in celebrating this young man by sharing his story.
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