The Malta Independent has won two categories in the Institute of Maltese Journalists awards that were held on Saturday.

Deputy Editor Semira Abbas Shalan won the Award for Journalism that Promotes the Rights of People with Disability for her story "Left on the dark: Parents of children with severe disabilities slam silence over school transition". It is the second time that Semira has won this particular category.

This interview tells the story of Andrea Waltzing and her 15-year-old son Max, who is non-verbal and was due to leave the Guardian Angels Resource Centre without his family knowing where he would continue his education. It raised concerns about whether the education system is adequately meeting these students' needs and protecting their right to appropriate education, support and inclusion, while giving visibility to families who felt they had been left without answers about their children's future.

Kyle Patrick Camilleri won the Most Promising Journalist Award. Camilleri, 25 years of age, joined The Malta Independent as a journalist in July, 2023. For the award, Camilleri submitted a string of news stories that showed his "dedication, commitment and a strong work ethic". 

The Malta Independent congratulates both Semira and Kyle for their achievement.