The CEO of Hope Pageants International, Ingrid Burger, has launched the first Christian-based pageant system for teens and women who are passionate about making a significant difference in their communities.
This pageant, which has been running for the past 11 years, judges finalists from all over the world based on their individual community projects and registered NPOs. Finalists stand a chance to win bursaries, funding towards growing their projects, and the opportunity to take their community work to an international level.
The Miss Hope International pageant takes place over a period of one week. During this week, finalists undergo pre-judging through interviews, presentations, and rehearsals for the finals, which will take place on November 30. On November 2, Eastern Cape models will be hosting a Miss Festive pageant to raise funds for their travel and accommodation during the pageant in Cape Town. To enter Miss Festive, entrants are required to pay an entry fee of R80 and sell at least four tickets each. Those who would like to support the Eastern Cape models by entering the pageant can send their name, surname, age, and one photograph (for the Miss Photogenic category) to the WhatsApp number provided below. The event will have two rounds: Festive wear and cocktail wear.
Each finalist has been provided with her own raffle, which will be drawn at the Miss Festive pageant. Those who would like to participate in the raffle can make contact with one of the finalists or alternatively contact the Hope Eastern Cape Manager. At the moment, the biggest financial challenge is securing funds for their travel and accommodation for the week in Cape Town. The R22 500 needed will be used to pay for transportation to Cape Town, within Cape Town, and back to the Eastern Cape, as well as a portion towards their accommodation in Cape Town. Prospective donors can make contact with Eastern Cape management, who can provide them with documentation of the exact amounts needed.
Meet the finalists:
Lienke-Marie Strydom (Kariega):
Founder of Dignity Drive, which collects sanitary products for less fortunate young girls. She hopes to highlight how young girls miss school owing to not having sanitary pads and aims to make a difference in more communities beyond her immediate surroundings.
Rosslin Jacobs (Kariega):
Desires to see happy kids with happy tummies and hopes to provide a safe space for less fortunate children where education and meals are provided without expectation.
Cheraldene Gqogqo (Kariega):
Founder of Arts and Crafts (@craftyhands), hopes to inspire people to overcome social ills by hosting various workshops on how to make art using recycled material. She aims to mould entrepreneurs who can build an income for their families by using only their hands and recycled material. Cheraldene is also a motivational speaker at heart and would like to highlight that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to.
To stay updated or follow the finalists’ journey, visit:
- Facebook: Miss Hope International Eastern Cape Representatives
- Facebook: Acting Hope NPO/Hope Journey International
- TikTok: @evelovewithlee and @ingridburgerhopejourney
For more information, Eastern Cape management can be contacted through Lecole on 072 389 3362.
