Miss Universe 2012, Leila Luliana da Costa Viera Lopes who made history as the first Angolan woman to win the Miss Universe crown was in Kenya last week for a one day tour courtesy of Ecobank which ended with a fabulous dinner with her as the guest of honor.
Her tour of Kenya was a specially created campaign aimed at raising awareness on issues related to Sustainable Tourism, HIV/AIDS prevention, poverty alleviation and the importance of education in Kenya.
“I’ve always wanted to visit Kenya and I’m so glad that this initiative has made one of my dreams come true. I’m so glad to be here.”
Leila’s visit to Kenya marked the second leg of her ‘Unity Tour’ where she is also scheduled to visit Mozambique and Namibia all in an effort to raise a louder voice for the above mentioned causes.
Organizers of her tour, Roberta Annan Consulting, said in a statement that the Unity Tour provides an opportunity for Africans to celebrate African successes.
“Africa was recently commended for making impressive strides towards achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals by 2015. However, much more needs be done to lift millions of Africans out of poverty and in educating our people about the dangers of HIV/Aids. I also see the tour as an opportunity to celebrate African achievements, which are often understated,” stated Miss Universe, who is also a UN Goodwill Ambassador.
HIV/AIDS, poverty alleviation and importance of education form a triangle of critical barriers that stand between Africa and its development. Increased efforts have been applied to put the continent on a path of greater transformation but more needs to be done. The Miss Universe African Tour is one unique platform to raise a louder voice for education, poverty alleviation and HIV/AIDS prevention in Africa.
During her tour to Kenya, Miss Leila Lopes interacted with media, students, orphanages; and public and private sector organizations all in an effort to raise a louder voice for the causes she is deeply focusing on.
On the 12th of September 2011, 25-year-old Leila Luliana da Costa Viera Lopes of Angola emerged victorious by making history as the first Angolan woman to win the Miss Universe crown out of 89 contestants. As part of her campaign, Miss Angola disclosed her passion for charitable endeavors with the issue of preventing the spread of HIV AIDS as one of her main efforts. She is also sensitive to the needs of the poor and a voice of change for importance of education.
photo blog
Ms.Leila Lopes,Miss Universe(L) sighing an Autograph for Mr.Francis Maina(c) from SOS children village with Mr.Nok Bwonditi(R) Executive Director Head Domestic Banking Eco-Bank.
Ms.Leila Lopes,Miss Universe(C) having a photo shot with beauty title holders from universities in Kenya
Miss Universe, Leila Lopes