BURUNDI: First ever Miss Burundi crowned, as part of efforts to promote peace and reconcilliation after years of conflict

Record ID: 1528944

  • Title: BURUNDI: First ever Miss Burundi crowned, as part of efforts to promote peace and reconcilliation after years of conflict
  • Date: 19th November 2008
  • Summary: HAMBURG, GERMANY (JULY 07, 2007) (REUTERS) (SOUNDBITE) (German) GERMAN RAPPER AND HIP-HOPPER JAN DELAY SAYING "I think it's funny how Hamburg's government is trying to look like a friend of the climate when they just commissioned the biggest coal-burning power plant Germany has ever seen, which will raise Hamburg's CO2 emissions by 40 per cent. So I don't really see why th
  • Embargoed: 4th December 2008 14:08
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Burundi
  • Country: Burundi
  • Topics: Arts / Culture / Entertainment
  • Reuters ID: LVA44X8CKK3LU3RSVO0HZT69O6DE
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: Bujumbura hosted the first ever "Miss Burundi" pageant on Monday (November 17) as part of government efforts to promote peace and cultural exchange as the country recovers from years of civil war.
    Sixteen women aged between 19 and 21 years old took part in the pageant, where 18-year-old Alida Kaneza emerged as winner. She said that, more than anything, she would like to focus on helping street children get education.

    "I want to help street children. Today street children can go to school because primary school is free, but often, they don't go because they have nothing to eat when they get back home," said Kaneza in her acceptance speech.
    Kaneza said she understands the challenges that lie ahead as many people in the country still live in poverty.

    "Miss Rwanda 2008" Carine Utamuliza was a guest of honour at the pageant. She expressed hopes that the modelling industry will continue to grow in Burundi, as more events like these take place.
    Kaneza said her family supported her throughout the competition.

    "My parents are very happy about my success and my whole family came to congratulate me and that makes me very happy," said Kaneza.
    In her last year of high school, Kaneza hopes to become a professional model one day. Along with the Miss Burundi title, Kaneza won an undisclosed amount of money and furniture.
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