Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Truly INTERNATIONAL

Nothing is more gratifying than seeing a title holder live up to her full potential.  I had to the opportunity to do that over the past two months as I watched Miss International Ciji Dodds and her circle of pageant friends and supporters prepare for her trip to Haiti. 




For the next week, Ciji will be hosted by the reigning Miss Haiti Universe Anedie Azael, the founder of Peace. Love. International - an organization she founded to bring betterment to her home country, especially following the devastating 2010 earthquake that destroyed parts of the Carribbean nation.  Miss Azael has promised to show Ciji the Haiti we DON'T see!!!

A dynamic view from Club Indigo in Haiti

Ciji has spent a lot time over the last 60 days requesting and securing donations of pencils, pens, crayons, books, construction paper and other supplies which she will gift to children in orphanages and schools during her one week visit.

Not only will she visit and gift children, she will be a part of a larger delegation including several 2011 Miss Universe contestants: Miss Guatemala, Miss Brazil, Miss Peru, Miss Mexico, Miss Singapore, Miss Netherlands, Miss Ireland, Miss Jamaica, Miss Denmark, Miss New Zealand and Miss Paraguay.
 Shakira Martin, Miss Jamaica Universe 2011

  Alejandra Barillas, Miss Guatemala Universe 2011

They will participate in many activities including helping to select the new Miss Tourism North and Mr. & Miss Carrefour.  I am sure she will have plenty of pictures and videos to share upon her return.



As Miss International, Ciji has promoted the platfrom - "Fighting Illiteracy Begins With Your First Book" throughout the country.  It is TRULY a pleasure to see her take it INTERNATIONALLY!!!