James Borg Cumbo from San Gwann wins Youth of the Year Award 2016

The Youth of the Year Award 2016 organised by the Kerŷgma Movement was awarded to James Borg Cumbo from San Gwann.

The award, which is sponsored by APS Bank, was announced by Bernice Micallef, President of the Kerŷgma Movement.

A Certificate of Special Merit was also awarded to Sara Portelli from Birkirkara for her voluntary work promoting the culture of life, defending the speechless and for her work within the Franciscan Community.

President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca presented the trophy at the end of a Mass which was celebrated at St Dominic’s Church, Rabat on Friday 3 February.

Also present at the ceremony were the President’s husband Mr Edgar Preca, Prof. Emanuel P. Delia, Chairman of APS Bank Limited who sponsored the event, and Mrs. Bernice Micallef, President of Kerŷgma Movement, Dr George Hyzler, Chairman of the Selection Board, among other guests.

James Borg Cumbo, is a 25-yearold youth from San Gwann who works with an insurance company. In 2012, James went with friends for a youth exchange in Finland. Here the participants were encouraged to reflect on the realities of life beyond our shores and this enkindled in them an interest to do missionary work. From here evolved the idea of setting up Karibu! Malta (Karibu means Welcome in Swahili).

James was involved in this project to encourage youngsters to go to Kenya under the Youth in Action scheme but their application for funding was unsuccessful. The youngsters who were interested to make this experience therefore decided that there was no alternative but to go anyway and pay the money from their own pockets.

At the time, James was secretary of the group and was responsible for the collection of local records as well as planning the activities for the children in Kenya.

Contact was made with Archbishop Emanuel Barbara in Kenya, and in August 2013 the group went to this country and from here commenced the Karibu! Malta experience.