IN the heart of Ethiopia’s bustling capital, Addis Ababa, a young boy named Heman Bekele was born with an insatiable curiosity that would one day change the world. At just four years old, Heman and his family embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States, unknowingly setting the stage for an extraordinary future.
From his earliest days in America, Heman’s innate passion for science began to flourish. While other children played with toys, young Heman found joy in mixing household chemicals, creating his own secret laboratory beneath his bed. His parents watched with a mixture of amusement and concern as their son’s experiments grew bolder and more complex.
On Heman’s 7th birthday, a pivotal moment arrived in the form of a chemistry set. This gift ignited a spark that would grow into a blazing fire of innovation. With newfound tools at his disposal, Heman’s experiments took on new life. He even attempted to create unlimited energy, nearly setting the house ablaze in the process!
But it was memories of his homeland that truly shaped Heman’s destiny. He recalled the labourers in Ethiopia, toiling under the scorching sun, their skin exposed to harmful UV rays day after day. This image stayed with him, planting the seed of an idea that would eventually revolutionise skin cancer treatment.
As Heman grew older, his knowledge expanded, and he learned about imiquimod, a drug used to treat skin cancer. A brilliant idea struck him – what if this life-saving medication could be made accessible to everyone through something as simple as soap?
Undeterred by his young age, Heman threw himself into research. He envisioned a soap that could deliver imiquimod effectively, using cutting-edge nanotechnology to ensure the drug stayed on the skin even after rinsing. This wasn’t just a school project; it was a mission to save lives.
Heman’s dedication paid off when he entered the prestigious 3M Challenge in 2023. His innovative concept captured the judges’ attention, earning him the top prize of $25,000 to further his research. But Heman’s journey was far from over.
A chance encounter with Vito Rebecca, a molecular biologist, opened new doors for the young inventor. Soon, Heman found himself working in a state-of-the-art lab at Johns Hopkins University, testing his revolutionary soap on mice with skin cancer. The research is still in its early stages, but the potential impact is immense.
Now, at just 15 years old, Heman Bekele stands tall as TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year. This Ethiopian-born prodigy has captured the world’s imagination with his groundbreaking invention – a simple bar of soap that could transform skin cancer treatment globally.
Heman’s vision extends far beyond personal success. He dreams of a world where his soap, priced at a mere 50 cents, is available to everyone who needs it. To achieve this goal, he’s launching a nonprofit organization to distribute the soap to communities in need.
As Heman continues his research, balancing his revolutionary work with the everyday life of a 10th-grader in Virginia, he serves as an inspiration to young innovators everywhere. His story reminds us that with passion, determination, and a desire to make a difference, even the youngest among us can change the world.
Heman Bekele’s journey from a curious child in Addis Ababa to a globally recognized inventor is just beginning. As he continues to push the boundaries of science and medicine, the world watches in anticipation, eager to see what this remarkable young mind will achieve next.
