2019 was an exciting year for JCI Malta. Together we produced over 25 events for individuals interested in public speaking, business, and social events. Together we produced a JCI Malta National Convention which also attracted foreign delegates. Together we also successfully applied for funding which allowed us to purchase more equipment and train an international group of people in inclusive coaching.

Each member will have their own set of 2019 highlights. While as National President every event was special in its own way, a number of moments stood out among the rest.

In March JCI Malta found its newest representative to compete in the Public Speaking Championship in the JCI European Conference in Lyon. Hanien Alouzi made it through all the way to the finals making JCI Malta proud. This initiative was done in collaboration with KNZ and ESU Malta.

In April JCI Malta was encouraging people to vote during the MEP elections held in May 2019. JCI Malta toured local schools providing information about the elections to first-time voters. We also organised a speed-networking session which allowed members of the public to meet local MEP election candidates face to face.

The training sessions organised throughout the year were always well received. Members received training in event management and science communication among other interesting topics. Business chapter members also got to listen first-hand from entrepreneurs about how they carved their own path towards success.

This year JCI Malta also organised monthly breakfast meetups which gave members the opportunity to connect with each other before their workdays started. Towards the end of November JCI Malta also planted saplings in Santa Venera doing its bit for the environment.

The 2019 JCI Malta National Convention entitled ‘Democracy Now’ can be summarised as two days of learning and excitement. After this project was kept on the back-burner for a number of years, this year’s team turned the dream into a successful reality. Funds obtained through the MCVS SIS* scheme were crucial in making this happen.

The international aspect of JCI which is greatly cherished by its members was not forgotten in Malta. The Debating and Public Speaking Chapter signed a twinning agreement with JCI Târgu Mureş in Romania. Malta hosted a group of around 30 participants during an Erasmus+ project on inclusive coaching attracting people from Ireland, Scotland, UK, Estonia, and Cyprus. Malta was also well represented during the EPM in Sofia, the EC in Lyon, and the WC in Tallinn.

JCI Malta’s story doesn’t end here. A new team is ready to lead it during 2020 and is aiming to take the organisation to new heights.

The mission is far from easy. In November JCI Malta publicly expressed its serious concern about the political crisis rocking Malta. New revelations related to the 2017 assassination of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia exposed more people linked to her murder. JCI Malta continues to appeal to the authorities to conduct their investigations without fear or favour.

During the General Assembly of the World Congress in Tallinn it also became clear that not all JCI national organisations are on the same page when it comes to the rights of people of all races, ethnicities, religions, and sexual orientations. JCI Malta is proud to have been on the right side of history when voting on further safeguarding human rights for everyone. More work must be done to ensure that every person on the planet is treated with respect and justice.

JCI Malta members love a good challenge and I’m sure that if they continue focusing on creating a positive impact in their communities they’ll achieve great things.

The motto chosen at the start of 2019 was ‘Make it Count’. Looking back, it certainly shows that this is what JCI Malta did.

Christoph Schwaiger
JCI Malta 2019 National President

*This project has been funded by the Small Initiatives Support Scheme (SIS), managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS). This project/publication reflects the views only of the author, and the MCVS cannot be held responsible for the content or any use which may be made of the information contained therein.”