For the
first time in history, Rwanda will take part in Miss World beauty
pageant. Miss Rwanda 2016 Jolly Mutesi will be the first beauty queen to
represent the country at the international beauty pageant
The 19-year-old beauty queen was crowned Miss Rwanda 2016 on February 27.
While
several African countries have participated in the past, it will be the
first time for Rwanda to take part in the popular beauty contest which
draws contestants from all over the world.
“This
is an excellent platform to further improve the country’s image outside
the country because most people out there have absolutely no idea about
the progress Rwanda has made in the recent years,” says Dieudonne Kagame
Ishimwe, the CEO of Rwanda Inspiration Back Up Ltd, a local company
that organised Miss Rwanda beauty pageant.
“Very
often Rwanda is associated with the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
When you say you come from Rwanda, many people still show pity and ask
how we’re coping,” he notes, adding that: “This will be another
opportunity to showcase what else Rwanda has to offer as well as the
potential of Rwandans.”
“We’re
optimistic that this will serve as a great platform for us to show the
world where Rwanda is today. We’re hopeful that Mutesi’s intelligence,
eloquence and positive attitude will make an indelible mark at the world
event.
The ultimate goal is to showcase our country and the progress it has made,” says Ishimwe.
A
product of King David High School, Mutesi represented the Southern
Province in the preliminaries at the fifth edition of the Miss Rwanda
beauty pageant.
She is excited about the opportunity and has urged all Rwandans to support her to win the prestigious crown.
“This
is a prime opportunity to lift up my country’s flag worldwide. Though
it’s a stiff competition, I’m prepared to try my best and do whatever it
takes at the apex of my ability. Hope for the best because a
competition remains a competition,” she said.
Since
she was crowned Miss Rwanda, Mutesi has embarked on various initiatives
aimed at improving people’s lives and sensitizing the youth on the
dangers of drug abuse, visiting children’s homes and hospitals.
She
paid Mutuelle de Sante (Community Health Insurance) for 1000 needy
people in the Western province and offered free milk for children of
Peace and Hope Initiative in Kinyinya, Gasabo District. She also
partnered with Rotaract Club, and built ‘kitchen gardens’ for 50
Genocide widows Kinyinya.
She
recently took part in a week-long working visit to Akagera, with support
of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) to promote domestic tourism.
The
66th edition of Miss World is scheduled for December 20, 2016, in
Washington DC, United States, with the pre-pageant activities starting
fromNovember 29.
The
Miss World competition is over 60 years old and is attended by many
beauty queens across the world. It took place for the first time in
Britain in 1951.
Criteria
For any
country to be eligible to take part in the Miss World beauty pageant,
there are certain factors considered which include, the organising
company’s profile and the period it has been organising the beauty
contest as well as its licence.
Also
considered are press releases and articles published in mainstream media
among other factors considered for the country to be allowed to
participate in this contest.
The current Miss World Mireia Lalaguna of Spain will crown her successor at the annual event.
This
year more than 100 countries will be vying to win the coveted title of
Miss World 2016 and hoping to be the ambassador of “Beauty with a
Purpose”.
The
contestants will be judged on the basis of various fast tracked events,
like top model, talent, multimedia, sports, beauty with a purpose and
resort wear.
Culled: The NewTime