Bethalyn Kelly, a remarkable 20-year-old advocate, has earned the prestigious title of Regional Winner for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2025. Her powerful words, “If we want change, we have to believe in ourselves,” encapsulate her commitment to inspiring others, particularly young women.
As the president of Resilience, Innovation, and Social Change—a girls’ club focused on empowering young women—Bethalyn views her recent recognition as both a personal achievement and a platform for greater impact. In a heartfelt interview with Tavuli News, she reflected on the mixed emotions she experienced upon receiving her award at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat’s headquarters. “I never thought this would happen, but now that it has, I’m so proud of my team for pushing beyond our boundaries to ensure that girls like us are also champions in our community,” she said.
Bethalyn’s journey to this honor was marked by initial self-doubt, but the encouragement from her family, especially her older brother Bobby Siarani, and her club members helped her cultivate self-belief. She expressed deep gratitude to all those who supported her along the way, particularly noting the impact of her girls’ club.
Beyond personal accolades, Bethalyn hopes her award will inspire other young girls in the Solomon Islands to pursue their dreams. Her innovative approach, which includes a project aimed at reducing plastic waste in the Tuvaruhu community of Honiara, underscores her commitment to sustainability—a direct alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. By transforming plastic PET bottles into eco-friendly bricks, her initiative champions responsible waste management and environmental conservation.
The Commonwealth Youth Awards celebrate the contributions of young leaders globally, and Bethalyn’s recognition alongside fellow finalist Ruby Riethmuller from Australia highlights an emerging wave of youth activism focused on critical issues like environmental degradation and mental health challenges.
Bethalyn concluded her message with a clarion call to her peers: “Stay active and dedicated to innovation in your community. You never know—one day, the experience I’ve had today could be yours.” Her journey is not only a beacon of hope for aspiring leaders but also a testament to the transformative power of resilience and community support in driving positive change.
Overall, Bethalyn Kelly’s story is a compelling reminder of the potential of youth-led initiatives to address pressing global challenges, inspiring a new generation of changemakers.
Leave a comment