For her extraordinary work in human rights advocacy for the handicapped, Fela Mijoro Razafinjato of Morondava, Madagascar was named a 2012 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) recipient in the category of humanitarian and/or voluntary leadership.
Diagnosed with polio at the age of three, Fela Mijoro Razafinjato’s battle with the disease has given her the strength to help others who are handicapped. She succeeded through her early years of schooling and went on to complete both graduate and postgraduate studies. Her interest in protecting the rights of the handicapped in Madagascar prompted a research trip to the United States. During her visit, she learned more about concrete actions taken by people in the US to protect disabled rights.
Upon her return to Madagascar, she took her ideas straight to parliament. Razafinjato pioneered the adoption of a law recognizing the rights of handicapped people and providing assistance to nearly two million disabled persons across her country. Her experience, research and passionate advocacy quickly turned into a victory for the disabled.
In 2003, she founded her own organization, Centre Sembana Mijoro, to provide educational and professional assistance for handicapped children and young adults. By receiving help through schooling, followed by occupational training, each center pupil can live a strong and independent life. Razafinjato is also founder of the Association of Handicapped Women in Madagascar, an organization that works to keep disabled rights on the forefront of the national political agenda. Her goal is to prove that handicapped people can live a life free from discrimination as they take actions in their communities despite physical obstacles.
JCI TOYP
JCI (Junior Chamber International) honors ten outstanding young people under the age of 40 each year. These individuals exemplify the spirit of the JCI Mission and provide extraordinary service to their communities. Whether through service, innovation, determination or revolutionary thinking, these young active citizens create positive impacts on a local and global level.
These ten young active citizens will be honored at the 2012 JCI TOYP Ceremony and reception Tuesday, November 20 at the JCI World Congress in Taipei, Taiwan.
About JCI: JCI is a worldwide membership-based nonprofit organization of young active citizens ages 18 to 40 who are dedicated to creating positive change in their communities. Through projects in more than 5,000 communities across more than 100 countries, members seek targeted solutions to local problems, creating a global impact.
Visit www.jci.cc to learn more.
Contact:
Krissy Durant, Programs Manager, JCI (Junior Chamber International)
programs@jci.cc
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