The North Bank regional competition for the 6th edition of the Miss 22nd
July Scholarship and Beauty Pageant was Wednesday held at the premises of the
regional education directorate in region 3 in Kerewan North Bank Region.
The theme for this year’s competition is: “Achievements of Women and Girls – A Reflection on the past 20 Years.”
The competition was held to select the regional delegate to participate in the national competition scheduled for 6 December 2014.
Deputizing for the regional governor, Njagga Khan, the community development officer, thanked the President for his foresight in instituting the Miss 22nd July Scholarship and Beauty Pageant, noting that it provides a platform for students to showcase their talents.
He said the government has recognized the enormous contribution and participation of women in accelerating national development.
The creation of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Women’s Bureau, scholarship schemes for girls’ education and Operation Safe a Baby are clear testimony of the government’s commitment to women’s advancement, Khan added.
Tamba Kinteh, the chief judge applauded students and teachers for the significant improvement demonstrated by the contestants.
The process was transparent, he noted, adding that such a competition would contribute to empower students by familiarising themselves with current issues and, by extension, contribute to the revival of cultural norms and values.
Mod Talla Ceesay, senior education officer for region 3, lauded the efforts of teachers and parents for encouraging and providing support to the contestants in the regional competition.
The competition attracted 15 senior secondary schools, and two students, Sainabou Mendy of Essau Senior Secondary, and Fatoumata Saidykhan of Berending Senior Secondary School, emerged winners of the regional contest.
The pageant was attended by Sasuna Mbye secretary general GOMISS Promotion, and Awa Senghore, secretary to the scholarship Advisory responsible for tertiary and university scholarship.