"We want this pageant to serve as a mirror into which you can look, at anytime and see Africa. Through this pageant African youths are saying: there is more about Africa than what news headlines tell us. African youths want to showcase their creativity, talents, hardworking nature, leadership skills, love and unity – the ingredients needed for mother Africa to prepare and serve the rest of the world a new taste of Africa."
Excerpt from the inaugural speech by the Chairman of the organizing committee D. Nkwetato, September 4th 2009.
Beijing.
Introduction
The Miss Africa in China Pageant was founded in January 2009 by three African English teachers; Denis Nkwetato, Marj and Octavius Ngwerume, inspired by the presence of a fast growing African community in China and the growing friendship between China and African countries.
During our stay in China, we discovered that very few Chinese knew anything about Africa. It is mainly for this reason that we decided to come up with the idea of a pageant. In addition to our inspiration:
(a) We thought China was missing out badly on the list of countries around the world that host annual pageants promoting African culture. China's pageant now joins the others - Miss Africa USA, Miss Africa UK, Miss Africa New Zealand, Miss Africa Canada, just to name a few.
(b) It is the best platform on which we showcase Africa’s diversity through culture, dance, paintings, cuisine and dress.
(c) It informs, educates and at the same time entertains.
(d) It empowers African youths and gives them the opportunity to show case their talents.
Objectives:
1. Empowering women.
2. Promoting African culture in China.
3. Promoting African beauty in China.
4. Enhancing relations between China and Africa.
5. Bringing Africans living and working in China together.
6. Promoting youths with talents.
Emphasizing Royalty, beauty, style, and cultural appreciation, the Miss Africa in China Pageant is a personal development opportunity for women from all over Africa. The delegates who become part of the Miss Africa in China Pageant gain confidence and poise in an increasingly competitive world. The pageant affords each delegate the opportunity to grow and advance her personal and career goals while acting as a role model in her community. The Miss Africa in China Pageant celebrates strong, committed women. By supporting the role models of today, we strengthen our collective tomorrows. We are also creating a platform for individuals to develop and refine personal attributes such as self-esteem, public speaking ability, and confidence that will assist them in future.
