JCI Mauritius TOYP History

The JCI Ten Outstanding Young Persons of the World Program (JCI TOYP) is the result of similar programs run by affiliated National Organizations of JCI. The original program was developed by Durwood Howes, President of The United States Junior Chamber of Commerce during 1930 – 1931. He conceived the idea of recognizing outstanding individuals by publishing a yearbook entitled “America’s Young Men” which highlighted the work of twelve exemplary leaders each year.

The United States Junior Chamber officially adopted the program in 1938. Since 1952, numerous JCI National Organizations have established their own Outstanding Young Persons Programs. Past recipients of national awards include such well-known personalities 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 or international prominence.

In 1983, JCI officially adopted the JCI Ten Outstanding Persons of the World Program. Since then, JCI has honored hundreds individuals from more than 50 nations. Each JCI TOYP honoree has shown commitment to the motto, reminding all of us that, with creative enterprise and hard work, no problem is too difficult to solve. Each honoree is a living example of JCI’s belief that:

“Earth’s great treasure lies in human personality and that service to humanity is the best work of life.”