Let's put systems into place for our children's welfare
4th September 2008: Vicky Njoki Ngari-Wilson, is the Miss East Africa UK 2008. She was born in Nairobi, Kenya on 30th September 1986. She moved to the UK in 1995 and lives in London. She is a student in Creative writing, and is just starting out as a freelance writer. She is in fact a correspondent of Africa News in London. Vicky works as a fashion stylist and assistant in Fashion. She is filming her documentary which will inspire a lot of people. In this interview with Africa News she reveals what she plans to do with this prestigious title.
How does it feel to be considered the most beautiful East African girl in the UK?
Wow, I haven't really thought about it that way. I feel very honoured and proud to represent the East African beauty and sometimes I feel shy! Lol. To win Miss Kenya UK was enough and then to be crowned Miss East Africa UK as well feels like being overfed with blessings and like God was telling me you are more than worth it. All I could communicate to God was Thank you and I was very baffled. Now I understand I have been given a mission and this is the most important part of my journey.
What would you like to achieve with this title?
I would like to see plans that no child in Africa is going without basics. I would like to be part of a group of Africans that brought the beauty of Africa in the Media limelight. Maybe then the world would see why it needs more than just regular Aid. I would like to see systems being put into place for our children's welfare.
What's your advice to African governments as far as welfare of children is concerned?
I am not politically mature to give any advice to the governments but what I can say is that unfortunately we all don't live forever. Therefore, we need to be investing in our future and a leader can be hidden in the darkest corners (Jesus was born in a manger). It is in our fathers' and mothers' hands to give them basics to develop and believe at the least.
What are your future plans?
I plan to be utilising my creativity to stay in the media eye because we need a lot of attention to enable the welfare of deprived children back home to get attention.
What are your hobbies?
Writing, Exercise, Black African History, being around Family and Friends and babysitting!
One thing you like most about yourself?
I'm diplomatic.
One thing you hate most about yourself?
I hate doubting myself.
What are the qualities of your ideal man?
Hmmmm lol I don't think there's enough space on this page for the list! I'm joking. The most important quality is he has to love and want a lot of children. Someone who is ambitious, successful, he also has to have a balance between being able to be very sensitive to my feelings and masculine enough to take the lead and tell me correctly when I am wrong as I know I like to push boundaries!
How can our readers support your charity activities?
If you go onto www.misseastafrica.co.uk all our details and information is there. You can also go onto the websites of the charities.
What qualities should a beauty queen hold?
My mother's qualities: grace, elegance, strength, humbleness and kindness.
Your advice to young girls aspiring to become models?
Visualise yourself being a role model first and what kind of woman you want to be and don't stop reaching for your goals. Draw up a plan and stick it up. If you are ever uncomfortable in the slightest with even just the sound of any job you are asked to do, you're probably right to be. I tell my mum everything because she needs to know how I am being influenced, so find somebody you trust: parent, guardian or just someone you fully trust and knows who you are to help you dissect information before you make any decisions. Oh I have so many things I would love to say to aspiring young girls.
Since becoming Miss EA UK, what has been the most rewarding experience so far?
To see my mum's face looking so proud. She was looking at me like she was saying 'thank you for delivering what I have worked for and thank you for proving to many people that as a very young single mother from poverty, I could still give my child the best in order for her to achieve.
Any advice to Africans abroad?
Let's stand proud and together to do something great. Don't forget about home; take your skills, talents and time for home. Mama Africa will repay you back, she is rich in creativity.
Charities Miss and Mr. EA UK support
Kenya
www.nyumbani.org
www.myspace.com/rafikischildren
www.hopeforthechild.org
Shining stars of tomorrow
Tanzania
www.foreverangels.org
Uganda
www.oneopeneye.org
www.nyakashool.org
Rwanda
www.orphansofrwanda.org
By Stephen Ogongo
