17-year-old Praslinois to take part in Miss Deaf Africa |21 August 2014

Melita Gilbert, a 17-year-old Praslinois, will take part in the 3rd Miss Deaf Africa beauty pageant to be held in Mbabane, Swaziland on September 26.

Anita Gardner, the chairperson of the Association of People with Hearing Impairment (Aphi), said it took some time to convince Ms Gilbert that she has the qualities and ability to take part in such an event.

“She was very shy and  timid at first  but thanks to the tutoring of Shana David, Miss Deaf Seychelles 2009 and Miss Regatta 2009 whom Miss Gilbert considers her role model, she has been convinced,” Mrs Gardner said.

“We are now busy with her photo shooting, grooming and we are also training her for a dance which she will perform during the final of the pageant,” added Mrs Gardner.

“We are also happy that for the first time we have a contestant from another island,” she pointed out.

Ms Gilbert, who is at present not doing much but is at home helping her mother with the house chores and looking  after her two small sisters, loves outdoor activities as well as sports.

She said after being a little uncertain about the whole pageant she is now excited and is looking forward for the event.

“It is the first time that I will travel and I am very excited,” she said.

Aphi hopes that taking part in the Miss Deaf Africa pageant will no doubt boost Ms Gilbert’s confidence and hopefully also open doors of opportunity for her career-wise.

Following the Miss Deaf Africa pageant, Ms Gilbert will then take part in the Miss Deaf World pageant in July 2015.

It is to be noted that Seychelles won 2nd princess in the 2013 Miss Deaf Africa which was held in South Africa and came out 4th in the Miss Deaf World 2013 which was held in the Czech Republic.

In order to support Ms Gilbert in making the trip to Swaziland the Aphi has launched a fundraising campaign and it is calling upon interested individuals, companies and businesses especially from Praslin who wish to sponsor her in one way or another to contact the Aphi on tel: 2749791/4610378

or email :  lizyepoutande@yahoo.com.au

Aphi wishes to thank everyone for their support especially Ms Gilbert’s family.