Bethalyn Kelly wins the Commonwealth Youth Award 2025 for her eco-friendly project in the Solomon Islands.
“If we want change, we have to believe in ourselves.” These words drive Bethalyn Kelly, a 20-year-old visionary who has been named the Regional Winner for the Commonwealth Youth Awards for Excellence in Development Work 2025.
Bethalyn is the president of Resilience, Innovation, and Social Change, a girls’ club dedicated to empowering young women. Her victory is a dream come true—something she had always hoped for but never imagined would happen so early in her journey.
In an exclusive interview with Tavuli News, Bethalyn described the recognition as one of her proudest moments.
Walking through the halls of Marlborough House, the headquarters of the Commonwealth Secretariat, to receive her award, she felt a mix of nerves and pride.
“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.
Initially, she doubted whether her submission would succeed. However, with the support of her family—including her eldest brother, Bobby Siarani—and the members of her girls’ club, she gained the confidence to believe in herself.
“I want to thank everyone who has been part of this journey and all those who have supported our girls’ club since day one,” she expressed with gratitude.
As she nervously accepted the award, Bethalyn reflected on the moment:
“I had mixed emotions, but I am humbled to represent the Solomon Islands on such a large platform like the Commonwealth.”
She sees the award as not just a personal achievement, but as inspiration for young girls in the Solomon Islands to believe in their dreams.
“This started as a small idea, and seeing it come to life on a global stage is incredibly rewarding. Being surrounded by changemakers from across the Commonwealth is a huge opportunity for me,” she said.
Her innovative project, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), tackles plastic waste in the Tuvaruhu community in Honiara. The initiative transforms plastic PET bottles into eco-friendly bricks, promoting sustainability and responsible waste management.
Each year, the Commonwealth Youth Awards honor young leaders worldwide for their impactful contributions to their communities. Bethalyn Kelly from the Solomon Islands and Ruby Riethmuller from Australia were selected as Pacific region finalists for their work in combating pollution and mental health challenges.
Bethalyn ended her interview with a message to young people:
“Stay active and dedicated to innovation in your community. You never know—one day, the experience I’ve had today could be yours.”
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