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| 2009 JCI TOYP: Celebrating the world’s top young active citizens |
2008 JCI TOYP Honorees
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The JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World are breaking boundaries, shifting paradigms and paving the way for other young people to create positive change across the globe.
Every year, JCI honors 10 outstanding young people under 40 who embody the JCI spirit through the JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World (JCI TOYP) Program. Whether its serving the poorest of the poor or bridging the gap between the worlds of the deaf and the hearing through rap music, every honoree has an incredible story to tell. Meet these young active citizens from across the globe.
Dr. Simona Atzori, Italy
Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment
Determined and passionate from a young age, Atzori had her first art exhibit at age 4 and began studying dance at age 6. Born without arms, Atzori has flourished as a dancer and an artist, pursuing both disciplines academically and professionally throughout her native Italy and abroad.
Julian Azzopardi, Malta
Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership
Leaving behind a well-paying job at the center of European socio-political and economic development, Azzopardi embarked on 15 months of voluntary work to live among and serve poor and vulnerable people in developing countries across the globe. He worked for the UN Office on Drugs and Crime in Vienna and now volunteers with a program that focuses on youth development through sports in Zambia before going to graduate school.
Rex Adivoso Bernardo, Philippines
Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment
Bernardo did not begin his formal education until age 20, but by age 36, he had completed an undergraduate degree and three master’s degrees. Overcoming the challenges of poliomyelitis and paralysis, Bernardo is a champion for the rights of youth with disabilities, a catalyst for change and an active volunteer with the poor.
Dr. Utkan Demirci, Turkey
Medical Innovation
An urgent need exists for low-cost tools to diagnose HIV in developing countries. Demirci, an assistant professor of medicine, created a disposable device that can sample blood for less than $1. This revolutionary tool to diagnose the disease has vast implications for the developing world as well as other aspects of medicine.
Firinga V. Jonhson, Madagascar
Humanitarian and/or Voluntary Leadership
After being diagnosed with HIV, Firinga committed to fighting prejudice and seeking support for people living with HIV/AIDS. His organization, Mad’ AIDS, connects HIV/AIDS associations into one network to mobilize resources, develop partnerships, exchange expertise and increase access to care.
Guðjón Már Guðjónsson, Iceland
Business, Economic and/or Entrepreneurial accomplishment
An entrepreneur since the age of 13, Guðjónsson has founded several enterprises, including an international software company. As a dedicated social entrepreneur, he established a center for young entrepreneurs and an incubation center to provide the necessary support and resources in an environment where Icelandic innovators – and their ideas – can thrive.
Tugba Kalafatoglu, Turkey
Political, Legal and/or Governmental Affairs
With diverse experience across several fields, Kalafatoglu has worked in international business, public relations and speaking, and training for CEOs, CFOs, vice presidents and directors of companies. Believing that politics can build a better future for the next generation, she has been active has a political consultant and campaign manager, and also has been recognized for her community involvement.
Kitso Masi, Botswana
Personal Improvement and/or Accomplishment
A reformed gang member, Masi now helps young people use their creative energy to fuel social change. His projects range from artistic exchange to character development to sports programs and even a reality TV program to promote the vision of an HIV-free generation in Africa.
Leigh Mathews, Australia
Contribution to Children, World Peace and/or Human Rights
After witnessing the extreme hardships in Cambodia while backpacking around the world, Mathews founded the Future Cambodia Fund at age 23. Through the FCF and other organizations, she works on behalf of disadvantaged children and their families to develop communities and combat child sex abuse and child sex tourism.
Marko “Signmark” Vuoriheimo, Finland
Cultural Achievement
As the first deaf rapper in Finland, Vuoriheimo creates music about the life of a deaf person to fight prejudice and raise awareness. Known as Signmark to his fans, Vuoriheimo bridges the gap between the deaf and hearing communities across the globe. In 2006, Signmark released the first Finnish music CD/DVD in sign language.
Meet these 10 awe-inspiring individuals in person at the 2009 JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Ceremony at JCI World Congress in Hammamet, Tunisia in November. Learn more about Congress and register today.
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