- How did your family’s history of philanthropy influence your passion for charity work, especially in catering to the needs of less privileged pupils in Africa?
My grandparents played a significant role in shaping my perspective on children’s health and education. My grandmother, a dedicated school teacher throughout her life, focused on educating less fortunate children, providing them with knowledge and resources to thrive. Meanwhile, my grandfather extended his support by offering shelter and homes to families affected by the civil war, ensuring they had a place to rebuild.
Their generosity and positive impact on the community inspire me to carry forward their legacy. I aim to pay tribute to them by continuing their unfinished work. My mission is to expand outreach to children and families in both the UK and Africa, supplying them with essential educational and life resources for a brighter future
- Winning the Miss Teen Universe Europe title is a significant achievement. Can you share some insights into the challenges you faced during the competition and how you overcame them?
The competition was a mix of overwhelming excitement and nervous anticipation for me. Being my first international pageant, I was truly excited but also slightly anxious, unsure of what to expect. Numerous challenges arose even before setting foot in the competition; airport issues led to misplacing crucial outfits needed for the event. However, I didn’t allow this setback to hinder my progress. Despite the initial hurdles, I pressed on, maintaining a positive attitude and delivering my performances with unwavering determination.
- Your charity, www.cmaap.org.uk, has made a substantial impact, providing support to over 500 pupils globally. What inspired you to co-found this charity, and what are some of the most memorable moments you’ve experienced while working on its projects?
As mentioned earlier, my grandparents played a pivotal role in inspiring me to establish the charity. However, it was my mother, who not only gave me the idea, but also provided essential support to kickstart the business. Without her, and the unwavering assistance of my family, reaching this point with CMAAP, wouldn’t have been possible.
The name CMAAP, was coined from the initials of my grandparents as a mark of honour: Cyril (grandpa), Monica (grandma), Anyaegbunam (surname) x2. In a nutshell, the initials tend to signify: “Cyril, Monica Aneaybunam Poverty Alleviation.” My visit to African schools in rural areas, offerred me firsthand knowledge of the plight of less privileged pupils. It was a deeply shocking and challenging experience. Witnessing children without proper shoes, malnourished, and lacking basic school supplies saddened me, profoundly.
I was determined to make a difference, with the support of loved ones, I took steps by delivering books, pens, food, shoes, sanitary, and menstrual products to these children. Our efforts even raised enough funds to construct a crucial toilet facility. I am immensely pleased with the positive impact our collective endeavors have had on improving the lives of these children.
- Your academic achievements are impressive, passing out from Kilgraston and securing admission to the prestigious University of Georgia for medicine. How do you balance your academic pursuits with your philanthropic and advocacy work?
Certainly, balancing school work and running a charity could be very challenging. To manage this, I’ve incorporated regular resting breaks between activities, whether it’s focusing on schoolwork or handling tasks related to my charity. Identifying free windows in my busy schedule allows me to prioritize relaxation. This practice has proven to be remarkably helpful and beneficial, and I would recommend it to anyone dealing with the pressures to prevent burnout.
5.Winning the award for the best interview at the beauty pageant is noteworthy. Can you elaborate on the key messages you conveyed during the interview and how you believe they contributed to your success in that segment of the competition?
My genuine surprise echoed when my name was announced, considering the exceptional performances of the other contestants during their interviews. I believe the judges resonated with my passion, particularly, when discussing my interests and significant achievements. It seems they sensed the authenticity and depth in my responses, possibly influencing their decision in my favor.
- As someone who promotes global values and equality, how do you envision leveraging your title as Miss Teen Universe Europe to make a positive impact on a broader scale?
I’m incredibly grateful and honored to hold the title of Miss Teen Universe Europe. However, this achievement marks not the end but the beginning of my charity’s journey. My goal is to extend its reach to schools in various parts of Africa and Europe affected by the impact of poverty. I aspire for my charity to impact even more lives and continue growing.
Furthermore, my advocacy for self-confidence and embracing scars will persist. Having faced these struggles myself, I aim to connect with more people, sharing insights on finding self-worth beyond perceived flaws. Utilizing my platform, I want to empower and instill confidence in women, including myself, who may feel like they’ve lost it. It’s about fostering a sense of worth that transcends external imperfections.
7.Your advocacy for environmental protection and clean energy is admirable. What specific initiatives do you plan to undertake to address issues like desertification, overfishing, and deforestation?
My commitment extends to educating others, especially children, about the harmful consequences of our careless actions on the environment. I plan to engage with them, discussing small steps we can collectively take to bring positive change to our world.
- Being a part-time English teacher for foreign pupils is an interesting aspect of your profile. How does teaching contribute to your personal and professional growth, and what challenges have you encountered in this role?
Teaching for the first time has been a fascinating and enlightening experience. I’ve gained valuable insights, especially as I work with children for whom English isn’t their first language. Engaging with them in English has not only facilitated learning but also provided a unique chance to explore diverse cultures and identities. The vibrant energy of the children has made this teaching experience truly memorable, one that I’m sure will linger in my long-term memory.
9.As a team player and ambassador of equality, how do you plan to foster inclusivity and diversity in your endeavors as Miss Teen Universe Europe?
As mentioned before, I’ve initiated workshops addressing self-confidence issues and embracing facial scars/flaws. My aim is to inspire people to truly love themselves without conforming to societal expectations. Simultaneously, I’m running a fundraising campaign for my charity, with the goal of accumulating enough funds for upcoming projects targeting other schools.
Looking ahead to Christmas and New Year, I have ambitious plans. I intend to organize virtual workshops with a festive theme to further support my charity. The goal is not only to raise funds but also to spread positivity and engage with the community during the holiday season.
10.Looking ahead, what are your long-term goals and aspirations, both in your academic pursuits and your commitment to philanthropy and environmental advocacy?
With the accomplishment of my long-term goal of receiving a title in a pageant, I’m fueled with even greater determination for future achievements. Academically, I aspire to graduate from medical school and specialize in cosmetic surgery, aiming to boost people’s confidence and self-esteem.
By the time I complete my medical education, I envision having positively impacted or assisted three more schools in local African districts. Additionally, I aim to contribute over 100 items to clothing bins and charities for children, supporting their well-being.