Miss World aspirant advocates education
Venkat Raman –
“Young people need empowering alternatives so that they can channel their passion and their energy into constructive causes,” Otago University student Deborah Lambie said at the finals of the Miss World New Zealand Competition held at Rendezvous Hotel in Auckland on April 25, 2015.
Her speech was a part of the competition that attracted 18 other contestants from various part of the country, covering various communities.
Islamic State
Deborah quoted Mahatma Gandhi as saying that education is the most powerful tool, which can be used to change the world.
“However, this tool can be used for post positive and negative change. Young people have incredible passion and energy but ‘Islamic State’ channels this energy destructively, even driving some young people to acts of terrorism. To combat this, governments and community leaders should join globally and ensure that our educational programmes teach values that every human life. We should use the educational tools to combat Islamic state and make the world a better place,” she said.
Deborah was undoubtedly the topper in the impromptu round, and was one of the few to complete her speech. Contestants were also required to participate in talent, sports and interviews as a part of the Miss World New Zealand title.
Burning question
Almost all contestants referred to ISIS or Islamic State in their speeches, responding to the question, “Consider the recent phenomenon, the so called, ‘Islamic State,’ where vulnerable young people have been persuaded to become terrorists and/or suicide bombers. How would you advise governments and community leaders to address this abnormality and eliminate the root causes?”
Deborah, who was our Model of the Fortnight two months ago (March 1, 2015), looks forward to participating in the Miss World Contest likely to be held in Indonesia (Bali), the Philippines or Australia.
Chasing dreams
Her graduation as a doctor at the end of the year is an additional cause for excitement.
“Even though I am from a small town (Dunedin), I am lucky to have grown up with parents who always told me that ‘girls can do anything’ and taught me that ‘every reality starts with a dream’. It was my childhood dream to follow in the footsteps of my parents and help others through practicing medicine,” she said.
World leader
While her speech on the empowerment of the youth drew wide applause, her thoughts about women are inspiring.
“New Zealand has a story to share with the world about women’s rights. 120 years ago, a group of women led by Kate Shepard dreamed of a brighter future of a world where women had equal rights to men. Their passion and belief made New Zealand the first self-governing country in the world in which all women where given the right to vote. New Zealand became a world leader in women’s rights having had women holding three top posts, including that of Governor General, Prime Minister and Chief Justice,” she said.
To listen to Deborah’s speech, please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf283Q3BMIE
Deborah Lambie was crowned Miss World New Zealand 2015 on April 25, 2015 in Auckland. The group picture shows her with Arielle Garciello (Miss World New Zealand 2014) and this year’s First and Second Runners-Up respectively Hayley Robinson and Te Rua Wallace.
