“Never believe that a few caring people can’t change the world. For, indeed, that’s all who ever have.” Margaret Mead.

Given all the negativity, conflict and division around at the present time, it was nice to read a heart-warming story recently.

Rebecca Young, a Glasgow school pupil is someone we can be proud of. When she was aged just 12, she designed a solar-powered backpack with an electric blanket inside to help homeless people. She came up with the idea after becoming concerned about people sleeping on the streets during a freezing Scottish winter. What a thoughtful, clever, kind and inspiring idea that will make a real difference to people’s lives.

As a result of her invention, Rebecca has been named among Time magazine’s girls of the year. She is one of 10 girls from across the world selected by Time who have inspired and helped communities. In addition to the recognition, Rebecca has been turned into a Lego mini-figure, due to the awards being run in partnership with the Danish toy manufacturer.

Rebecca first came up with the idea while attending an engineering club at school. After seeing homeless people in Glasgow, she wanted to do something to help them. During the day, the heat from the sun can energise the solar panels and they go into a battery pack that can store the heat. When it’s cold at night people can use the energy stored in the battery pack to sleep on.

Rebecca’s idea came out on top in the UK Primary Engineer competition, where more than 70,000 pupils entered ideas aimed around addressing a social issue. Engineering company Thales then turned the idea into a working prototype, with 35 units given to Homeless Project Scotland to use in Glasgow.

That achievement led Rebecca to a place on Time’s list, which the magazine’s chief executive Jessica Sibley said highlights “those who are turning imagination into real-world impact.” As part of the honour, Rebecca and the other nine winners are appearing on a digital cover of the famous magazine, where they are styled as Lego mini-figures.

The rector at her school (Kelvinside Academy), Daniel Wyatt, said Rebecca was a “shining example of a caring young person”. He added: “She is also a role model for any young person who wants to follow their own path in life.”

Rebecca says she feels honoured to have been recognised and hopes that other children see it and decide to do their part in helping people.

Imagine, how different this world could be if we all adopted Rebecca’s attitude to do good in the world and make a positive difference to people’s lives.

This week, why not pause for a few moments to reflect. Consider what action you can take to make a difference in your part of the world.

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk