SolarSafe: U of T medical students bring sun safety education to newcomer youth
Seeing a gap in sun safety education, two students at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine decided to take action.
Through their initiative SolarSafe, Michal Moshkovich and Emily Volfson are bringing practical, inclusive workshops to newcomer youth, helping them build lifelong habits that prevent skin cancer and promote skin health.
Moshkovich and Volfson, both MD Program students, spoke to writer Julia Soudat about the importance of reframing public health education to include diverse communities, tackling myths about skin tone, climate, and the importance of sun protection and preventive health care.
Tell me a bit about this initiative and how it came to be.
Emily: We launched SolarSafe this summer after recognizing a gap in public health messaging: many youth, particularly those in newcomer communities, have not been reached with the message that sun protection is important for them. Most skin cancers are linked to sun exposure in childhood and adolescence, making early education a critical step in prevention. There are also persistent myths that sun safety only matters for certain skin tones or climates, and we’re working to change that narrative. Our goal is to make sun safety practical, inclusive, and engaging so that all youth see themselves reflected in the message and feel empowered to protect their health.
Why did you decide to focus specifically on newcomer communities?
Michal: Newcomer youth often face real gaps in health education. One thing that matters to us is making sure sun safety feels inclusive. A lot of health messaging unintentionally leaves out individuals with different skin tones or cultural backgrounds. With SolarSafe, we’ve worked hard to make sure everyone feels like this information is for them.
Some come from regions where sun safety isn’t emphasized or where the risks of sun exposure aren’t widely discussed, while others have heard the myth that darker skin doesn’t need protection — misconceptions that can persist and lead to preventable harm later in life. As immigrants ourselves, we understand how difficult it can be to navigate a new health system and how important preventive messages can be missed. By starting with newcomer youth, we hope to bridge that gap, ensuring they have the same tools, knowledge, and confidence to protect their health.
What does a typical SolarSafe workshop look like? What are some sun safety myths that you address in your workshops?
Emily: A typical SolarSafe workshop is designed to be interactive and hands-on, providing participants with practical tools they can use to protect themselves from harmful ultraviolet (UV) exposure year-round. We usually begin with an overview of why sun safety matters in Canada, highlighting the long-term risks of skin cancer and the importance of prevention early in life. From there, participants engage in activities like myth-busting discussions, demonstrations on how to apply sunscreen effectively, and exercises on reading the UV index and selecting protective clothing.
We also address common misconceptions. For example, that clouds block UV rays, that sunlight is the only reliable source of vitamin D, or that sunscreen is only necessary in the summer. By breaking down these myths in an accessible way, SolarSafe helps youth feel confident in making everyday choices that support their long-term health.
What lessons have you learned from starting this project?
Michal: One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is how powerful it is to meet people where they are. Sun safety can feel abstract if you just hand someone a pamphlet, but when you make it hands-on and relevant, like using UV bracelets or interactive games, it suddenly clicks. People become engaged when you invite them into the process instead of just talking at them. It’s a reminder that effective education is about building trust and creating moments that feel fun, personal, and empowering. When kids leave a workshop not only understanding sun safety but also excited to share it with their friends and families, that’s when I know we’ve really made an impact.
Emily: A key lesson I’ve learned is that cultural competence goes hand in hand with cultural humility. Through SolarSafe, we’ve connected with youth from so many different backgrounds, and it’s shown me how important it is not just to share knowledge but to stay open to learning from their perspectives as well. Every conversation is a reminder that effective health education isn’t one-directional. It’s about listening, respecting lived experiences, and adapting so the message feels relevant and inclusive for everyone.
Do you have any goals for SolarSafe in the coming years?
Michal: Our goal is to expand. We want to bring SolarSafe into schools and after-school programs so that sun safety becomes part of the culture for kids growing up in the GTA. We’re also exploring partnerships with community organizations to keep the workshops running every summer. Ultimately, we hope to make sun safety a part of the conversation in every community.
