Freedom of speech is one of the main pillars of every democratic society and a journalist’s work relies solely on exercising this freedom of speech. Young journalists that push for accountability of our politicians, make society aware of all that’s going right and wrong and push for positive change deserve to be recognised too.
The JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons (TOYP) Awards aim to recognise 10 young people (afed 18-40) coming from different sectors of society who have proven themselves to be true leaders of positive change. One such award is the ‘Journalistic Accomplishment’.
This award recognises coverage by journalists, bloggers and writers that, as a result of their work, have made an impact in the way of public awareness, democracy, sustainability, human rights, environmental protection, social justice, and equality.
Past Winner – Jurgen Balzan
The past winner of this award was Jurgen Balzan. Jurgen Balzan who has been working in the journalism industry for around 7 years, joined the team of TheShiftNews, following the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia, a Maltese journalist. In 2015, Jurgen’s reporting on gifts received by former Health Minister Joe Cassar led to the latter’s resignation from Parliament. Despite the hurdles he faces today, Jurgen remains committed to delivering independently produced news stories to the Maltese public. He was among the first to interview survivors of the Lampedusa shipwreck in which some 400 people lost their lives while attempting to reach Europe.
10 JCI Malta TOYP winners to be nominated for an Award in Johannesburg
The JCI Malta version of the TOYP Awards will lead the 10 chosen winners to be nominated for the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Programme (JCI TOYP) where they will compete with nominees from all around the world to win this same award, but on an international scale! Next year, the awards ceremony will be held in Johannesburg, South Africa in November.
TOYP History
The original TOYP program was developed by Durwood Howes, President of The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce during 1930 – 1931. He conceived the idea of recognising outstanding individuals by publishing a yearbook entitled ‘America’s Young Men’ which highlighted the work of 12 exemplary leaders each year.
The United States Junior Chamber officially adopted the program in 1938. Since 1952, numerous JCI National Organisations have established their own Outstanding Young Persons Programs. Past recipients of national awards include well-known personalities such as Orson Welles, Howard Hughes, Nelson Rockefeller, John F. Kennedy, Henry Kissinger, Gerald Ford, Benigno Aquino, and many more, all named before the age of 40 and before they had achieved national prominence.
In 1983, JCI officially adopted the JCI Ten Outstanding Persons of the World Programme. Since then, JCI has honoured hundreds of individuals from more than 50 nations.
This award is sponsored by JPA.
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