Gabriella Gonthier, a model from Telly’s Modelling Agency, has returned to Seychelles after taking part in the Miss University Africa Beauty Pageant which was held in Abuja, Nigeria on December 18.

Gabriella has described her participation in the pageant as “an enriching and eye-opening experience”.

A total of 61 young women aged between 18 and 26 years took part in the pageant strictly reserved for young university students from the African continent.

Gabriella was chosen by the management of Telly’s Modelling Agency following her participation in the Miss Seychelles and Seychelles Fashion Week 2021.

The Miss University Africa is a non-bikini pageant that promotes and encourages ladies from Africa to have a university degree so that they become a better version of themselves through promoting their African identity, shared values women empowerment, for the betterment of their nations, region and continent in general.

Gabriella has just graduated from the University of Seychelles with a Bachelor in business administration with specialisation in international business.

Another model from Telly’s Modelling Agency, Rynia Tamboo, represented Seychelles at the same pageant in 2018.

Gabriella left Seychelles on December 5 to prepare for the pageant which was held during a glamorous event in which 61 girls took part.

“It was a pageant with a difference for participants from the African continent only and it was based mostly on charity work and activities, community-based projects as the pageant focus on the girls giving back to society as well as different camp activities,” Gabriella shared.

The participants were judged principally on their participation and interactions in the camps and a project they presented.

They also answered a question to test their prowess and intelligence.

Gabriella said her project was entitled ‘Youth empowerment in the blue economy sector’.

“As a member of the Blue Economy Youth Group, I worked closely with the Blue Economy department on my project which was aimed at increasing the young people’s interest to make a career in the Blue Economy sector. The organisers were impressed noting that it was the first time they come across a project which is economic related as for a long time all projects that have been presented are based on different social aspects like poverty, alcohol abuse, unemployment. At a time when young people have been very much affected in different ways because of the pandemic, the organisers were really interested in my project,” said Gabriella.

Somali student Adar Yusuf was considered the most outstanding participant and answered her question with tact. She clinched the crown and prizes which included US $50, 000, a new car among different other prizes.

Gabriella said it was a great pageant.

“It has been a very enriching and eye-opening experience for me because it took me on a journey of discovery where I had to be up at 4am to start different charitable activities under strict discipline which test your patience and teach you to be strong and patient and calm at all times.

“I have learnt many things which I will share with my colleagues of the Blue Economy Youth Group,” said Gabriella.

The management of Telly’s Modelling Agency would like to thank all the sponsors who have made Gabriella’s participation in the pageant possible, especially her parents and the Gonthier family.

The other sponsors included Athalia Barbe, Iles etais une fois, Inspiration Tropik, Romeo Paul, Eric Raisina, Precious Lulu and Telly’s Modelling Agency.

Source: Seychelles Nation