Update
GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The newly crowned Miss United Nation International 2018, Danica Barnard, looked gorgeous and chic as she descended the Kulula flight staircase. Danica, a beauty from Mossel Bay, arrived home after making history at the pageant held in Toronto, Canada last month when she brought the title to Africa for the first time.
Among all the national and international titles Danica had won, she has also been awarded SWD colours for modelling by FPASA and was among Talent Africa Nationals top 10 SA models, receiving among others a glass medal, gold medal and four silver medals.
Freelance writer Thomas Duane Hodgson interviewed her at the George Airport shortly after her plane landed.
Danica shared her experiences leading up to the crowning, her involvement in charities, her plans for her reign as Miss United Nation International 2018 and her passion for working with children, especially those with special needs.
She is currently studying to become a teacher and is a second year B Ed student.
TDH: Welcome back to the Garden Route! You sure have reason to have a spring in your step. Congratulations!
DB: It's good to be back but flying is awesome. On my international flight with Air Canada, I met people from Mossel Bay. The crowning took place in Toronto, Canada.
TDH: What did the crowning of Miss United Nation International entail and what criteria were you evaluated on?
DB: The United Nation Pageant focuses on volunteer work. The Miss United Nation International contestants were judged on their community involvement; general appearance; social skills; one-on-one interviews with the judging panel; ramp skills; poise; posture; elegance; and grooming.
TDH: How many contestants were there and what do you believe gave you the upper edge?
DB: There were twenty-one delegates in total. The soundtrack record of community involvement showed the judges my commitment to the true purpose of the title. Irreplaceable support by my family and community was instrumental in my success with this pageant.
Miss United Nation International 2018 in her stunning evening dress sponsored by the owner of Pebbles, who sourced it from an overseas designer.
TDH: What charities have you been involved in?
DB: The United Nation International title gave me a crown and sash, nothing more, and so I need to use the title to support my charity endeavours. I have been involved in numerous charity projects in the Garden Route and nationally, namely Pink Trees 4 Pauline; Rotary Gift of Giving; Cansa Relay for Life; Cupcakes 4 Kids with Cancer (I became a Cupcake Angel in 2016); Dignity Dreams South Africa; the Ethan project; and the Nzuri project. I also have two of my own charity projects: Working with the Khanyisa Crèche in Kwanonqaba; and the Princess Project where I help less fortunate girls get matric farewell dresses.
TDH: Do you have any specific plans for your reign as Miss United Nation International 2018?
DB: I will continue being very involved in the Ethan Project and Cansa. Autism awareness needs support focus throughout the year, not only in April when it is Autism Awareness Month. I will be learning Makaton, which is sign language for nonverbal autistic children. My main focus, however, will be the Nzuri project. "Nzuri" is Swahili for "beautiful". The aim with this project is to reach; perform surgery; heal; and beautify millions of women who live with Endemic Goitre condition in the Eastern DRC. I plan to visit the DRC in 2019 with Africa Pageants.
Danica Barnard, Miss United Nation International 2018, looking flawless in the captivating cultural wear designed by Ms Designa from Senegal.
TDH: Tell us about your studies and why you find teaching, as your occupation-to-be, so fulfilling?
DB: I am a second year B Ed degree (Foundation Phase) student. Not many people know that I overcame a learning disability. My passion is working with children, especially those with special needs. As a teacher I can make a constant impact in the lives of children.
TDH: Are you involved in any organisations specifically based in George?
DB: I am a Brand Ambassador for Heavenly Haven, which is a community upliftment organisation in George, and Bloss Magazine in Hartenbos and George. I support Cansa Southern Cape by attending functions held in George. Furthermore, a few organisations from George have contacted my pageant directors and asked for my involvement in their charity projects.
Thomas Duane Hodgson.
Danica's titles and placings:
- • Tourism Queen SA 2015/16
- • Face of SA 2015/16 (1st runner-up)
- • Miss Teen South Africa Universal 2015/16
- • Dirk Kotze trophy for community involvement in 2015
- • Queen of the Universe 2015/16 (2nd princess)
- • National finalist for Miss JNR SA 2016
- • National award for R4R Charity Ambassador 2015/16 (3rd in SA)
- • Miss Teen World 2016 (1st runner-up)
- • International title holder of JNR Queen of the World 2016/17
- • Talent Africa Regional Competition Best Model award, together with gold certificates for all 5 modelling categories; overall winner of age category vocals/drama/modelling; and 1st model of the day award.
Read a previous article: Mossel Bay beauties crowned
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