9 young people who are changing the world

If you think that being young is a barrier to making a difference – then think again. Take a look at these 9 incredible individuals who have turned their passions into actions – on a large scale. And the exciting thing? This is just scratching the surface.

A true eco-warrior

Boyan Slat, age 19, environmental campaigner and founder of The Ocean Cleanup Foundation

Aged just 19, Boyan Slat has a remarkable vision for cleaning oceans that have been decimated by rubbish. Slat devised a way to recover waste plastic by the ton every month using floating nets attached to sea bed.

Giving young people a voice in parliament

Takyiwa Danso, aged 22, VSO volunteer

Takyiwa volunteered with VSO International Citizen Service in Kenya. Since returning to the UK she has spoken at an event at Parliament about the role young people can play in international development. She says:

“I was privileged enough to share my volunteering experience at a reception in Parliament. In an age where young people often struggle to get their voices heard and find an audience to truly listen to them, I was able to represent my generation in a positive light, dispelling the notions of youth being disengaged from the politics.”

Fighting for education

Malala, age 18, is an activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient
As a young girl, Malala defied the Taliban in Pakistan and demanded that girls be allowed to receive an education. For her defiance she was shot in the head.

The shooting resulted in a massive outpouring of support for Malala. She has since become one of the most well-known advocates for education. In recognition for her work she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize – at the age of 17, she was the youngest to ever receive it.

Representing a generation in the corridors of power

Mhairi Black, age 20, MP

The SNP’s Mhairi Black was voted MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South in May of this year. At the age of 20 she is the youngest MP since 1667. The 20-year-old was still a student at Glasgow University when she secured one of the biggest upsets of the 2015 general election.

Looking out for the next generation

Craig Kielberger, founder of Free the Children

Free The Children is an international charity and educational partner, with more than 2.3 million youth involved in its education and development programmes. Free The Children’s mission is to create a world where all young people are free to achieve their fullest potential. It was founded by Craig Kielburger in 1995 when he gathered 11 school friends to begin fighting child labour. He was 12.

Moving a step closer to curing Alzheimers

Krtin Nithiyanandam, age 15, developed a breakthrough in fight against Alzheimers

15 year old Krtin developed a test for Alzheimer’s disease which could allow the condition to be diagnosed 10 years before the first symptoms appear. Krtin told the Telegraph newspaper

“I chose Alzheimer’s disease because I am fascinated by neuroscience and the workings of the brain,” saying he has “personally seen what a difference it can make to people’s lives”
Alzheimer’s the most common form of dementia, affecting one in six over 80s and almost 500,000 people in Britain.

Can’t stop helping others

Hamish Murphy, age 26, serial volunteer and development ambassador

Hamish is passionate about international development and has volunteered overseas supporting a range of projects. Recently he has taken part in the International Citizen Service programme, volunteering firstly in Botswana and then in Nepal, leading a team of younger volunteers.

He was leading the team in Nepal in April when the country suffered a catastrophic earthquake. Showing great leadership qualities he ensured that the team was safe and then aided VSO staff in Nepal in organising the safe evacuation of youth volunteer team members. Following this he worked to raise funds for the Disasters Emergency Committee in support of aid work in Nepal.

In the UK he has volunteered supporting people with mental illness, supported an organisation helping refugees and worked as a team leader and mentor as part of National Citizen Service. Hamish has now started work at International HIV/AIDS Alliance

Captain Planet (of the corporate world)

Josh Taylor, age 24, entrepreneur and sustainability consultant

Not only does Josh run his own eco-friendly business, he also coaches FTES 100 companies on how to operate sustainably whilst continuing to turn a profit. Encouraging many businesses to take that first step into becoming more environmentally friendly.

Around the world on 2 wheels

Tom Davies, age 19, circumnavigated the world by bike

This week, Tom Davies became the youngest person to cycle around the world. Since he left in January of this year, he has since clocked up over 16,500 miles, cycling through Europe, Asia and Australasia. Not only is he the youngest person to achieve this incredible feat – he has raised over £40,000 for various charities. Read his blog

Inspired?

If you have been inspired and are looking for an opportunity to make a difference, take a look at our overseas volunteering opportunities