'As JCI Malta President, I am heavily invested in promoting leadership across the board'

Last week, JCI Malta launched an audio-visual documentary, Shattering Stereotypes: Young, Active and Disabled, which highlights the importance of inclusivity and leadership in youth at an event held at The Leadership Hub in Sliema.

This documentary is the brainchild of current JCI Malta President Mel McElhatton: “As JCI Malta President, I am heavily invested in promoting leadership across the board, especially at youth level, and for people who might not be easily recognised as leaders in their field. This documentary aligns perfectly with our tagline for the year, Dare to Lead.”

Shattering Stereotypes showcases four local individuals who have different disabilities but who are all leaders in their respective fields and communities. Alessia Bonnici, Angela Bettoni, Matthew Chircop, and Thomas Borg, were interviewed as representatives for music, performing arts, social activism, and sports respectively. The documentary also features an introduction by Amy Camilleri Zahra in her capacity as an Assistant Lecturer at the University of Malta and disability activist.

Minister for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations and Consumer Rights Julia Farrugia Portelli was also present for the launch and addressed the attendees recognising the importance of such projects to promote the visibility of people’s leadership skills, beyond their disability.

The project was realised thanks to the successful application of the Freedom to Live Scheme funding grant by the Ministry for Inclusion, Voluntary Organisations, and Consumer Rights in 2022.

“Such funds give us the opportunity to create further awareness about the need for and importance of accessibility and accommodating people with disabilities,” said Mel McElhatton.