Beauty pageant with a purpose

THE Ministry of Health and Social Services yesterday launched the Miss Cultural Heritage World 2008 pageant.

The pageant is for young women across the world to sensitise the public on various social issues, including HIV-AIDS, cancer, drug abuse, child labour, poverty eradication, gender equality, health and environmental awareness. The initiative is the brainchild of Venancius Rukero, a former street kid who benefited from the After-School Programme launched by former President Sam Nujoma shortly after Independence.Rukero stressed that he is eager to give back to the country by bringing international attention to these social problems, while simultaneously promoting the country on the tourism front.In addition to being the founder of the pageant, he also runs a foundation that supports 38 orphans and vulnerable children.Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Petrina Haingura, Dr Ndapewa Hamunime praised the initiative as “bringing the world to Namibia…using the aspect of beauty to reflect the face of HIV-AIDS.”More than 50 countries have been invited to partake in the pageant, and 15 – including Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria, Swaziland, South Africa, the United States, England, Finland, Zambia, Angola and Botswana – have already confirmed their participation.A fundraising drive is currently underway, with the committee aspiring to raise N$1 million to cover the costs of hosting the contestants for two weeks around the country, prizes, and other associated costs.The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has already pledged its support in carrying the entire cost of the pageant evening, which will take place in conjunction with the second annual Namibian HIV-AIDS Hero Awards on November 29.A street festival ending with a formal lunch and fashion show in the Zoo Park is planned for November 28, and prior to this, the contestants will visit a number of social projects.Maggy Mbako, public relations officer at the Namibia Tourism Board and committee member, added that press representatives from Swaziland, Nigeria and the United States are expected to provide international media coverage on the event, “thereby advertising Namibia as a prime tourist destination to potential holidaymakers across the world”.The initiative is the brainchild of Venancius Rukero, a former street kid who benefited from the After-School Programme launched by former President Sam Nujoma shortly after Independence.Rukero stressed that he is eager to give back to the country by bringing international attention to these social problems, while simultaneously promoting the country on the tourism front.In addition to being the founder of the pageant, he also runs a foundation that supports 38 orphans and vulnerable children.Speaking on behalf of the Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services, Petrina Haingura, Dr Ndapewa Hamunime praised the initiative as “bringing the world to Namibia…using the aspect of beauty to reflect the face of HIV-AIDS.” More than 50 countries have been invited to partake in the pageant, and 15 – including Trinidad & Tobago, Nigeria, Swaziland, South Africa, the United States, England, Finland, Zambia, Angola and Botswana – have already confirmed their participation.A fundraising drive is currently underway, with the committee aspiring to raise N$1 million to cover the costs of hosting the contestants for two weeks around the country, prizes, and other associated costs.The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) has already pledged its support in carrying the entire cost of the pageant evening, which will take place in conjunction with the second annual Namibian HIV-AIDS Hero Awards on November 29.A street festival ending with a formal lunch and fashion show in the Zoo Park is planned for November 28, and prior to this, the contestants will visit a number of social projects.Maggy Mbako, public relations officer at the Namibia Tourism Board and committee member, added that press representatives from Swaziland, Nigeria and the United States are expected to provide international media coverage on the event, “thereby advertising Namibia as a prime tourist destination to potential holidaymakers across the world”.