At just 15 years old, Wampe Chimpampa from Zambia is already changing lives. A student with a passion for science and social impact, Wampe noticed a serious issue affecting many children in her country—those living with albinism face heightened risks of skin cancer due to lack of protection from the sun. Moved by this challenge, she took matters into her own hands and invented something both smart and deeply needed.
Wampe designed a solar-powered, temperature-sensitive school uniform that helps children with albinism stay protected during outdoor school activities. The uniform is made from UV-protective fabric and includes built-in sensors that detect high temperatures. Once the temperature rises beyond a certain level, the uniform alerts the wearer with a gentle vibration, reminding them to seek shade or reapply sunscreen. It’s a simple but groundbreaking innovation—one that could drastically reduce exposure-related risks for vulnerable children.
The inspiration came from watching her classmates with albinism struggle to participate in sports and outdoor classes without risking painful sunburns. Wampe said, “I wanted to create something that makes children with albinism feel safer and more included. They deserve to play and learn just like everyone else.” Her invention was met with applause during a local science fair, where judges praised her not only for her creativity but also for her compassion.
Now, her school and local health organizations are working together to explore how this uniform can be produced and distributed more widely across Zambia. There’s also growing interest from international nonprofits focused on disability and children’s health. Wampe has been invited to several youth innovation forums, where she continues to advocate for inclusive inventions that serve overlooked communities.
Wampe’s story is more than just a tale of a young girl with a clever idea. It’s a powerful reminder that age is no barrier to innovation—and that empathy can lead to solutions with lasting impact. Her invention is already bringing hope to many families, and she’s just getting started.
