Georgia Garises: Embracing the Miss Namibia challenge as the youngest finalist
Advocating for present fathers in her quest for the crown
Despite her age, Georgia Garises exudes a remarkable sense of confidence and maturity.
At just 19 years old, Georgia Garises finds herself among the top 10 finalists in the 2024 Miss Namibia pageant, making her the youngest contestant in this year’s competition.
When asked how she feels about the competition so far and whether being the youngest scares her, she responded with poise. "It has been good so far, and I am humbled and honoured to be a part of the top 10. I'm really not intimidated by others; I look at them like my elder sisters, so I take this opportunity to learn from them."
Her journey to the Miss Namibia stage has been unique. "I initially applied for Miss Teen Namibia, and when I didn't hear back, I thought maybe I didn’t make it and would try again next year. Then, I got a call that I was in the top 20 for Miss Namibia. It's not what I applied for, but I also realised this is God saying I need to take on something bigger," she said.
Valuable lessons
Balancing her personal life with the demands of the pageant is no small feat, but Garises credits her family for helping her stay on track through their unwavering support. "I have the biggest support system, which is my family, and they keep me in check. Everything is in order because of them. They are supportive of my pageantry work, just as much as they support me with my schoolwork," she added.
She maintained that the Miss Namibia experience has already imparted valuable lessons. "I feel like I have evolved as a person. My public speaking, communication and leadership skills have improved. I am not shy, but I was never the first to say 'I want to talk'. Now, I am more comfortable speaking on camera. This experience has moulded me into a better person."
Youth participation
In her ‘Smell The Coffee’ interview on NTV, Garises highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping the future. She mentioned that it is important for young people to register to vote, as they are the future of this country. “You want to have a say in who your leaders are, so make sure you go vote," she said.
If crowned Miss Namibia, Garises is clear about a cause close to her heart she would dedicate her time to. "My advocacy is on fatherlessness and the impact it has on society and children. I want to motivate and encourage fathers to be present in their children’s lives as it is very important for their well-being."
The Miss Namibia 2024 crowning event is set to take place on Saturday, 20 July, in Lüderitz. tjil has been running profiles on the top 10 finalists leading up to the ceremony.
When asked how she feels about the competition so far and whether being the youngest scares her, she responded with poise. "It has been good so far, and I am humbled and honoured to be a part of the top 10. I'm really not intimidated by others; I look at them like my elder sisters, so I take this opportunity to learn from them."
Her journey to the Miss Namibia stage has been unique. "I initially applied for Miss Teen Namibia, and when I didn't hear back, I thought maybe I didn’t make it and would try again next year. Then, I got a call that I was in the top 20 for Miss Namibia. It's not what I applied for, but I also realised this is God saying I need to take on something bigger," she said.
Valuable lessons
Balancing her personal life with the demands of the pageant is no small feat, but Garises credits her family for helping her stay on track through their unwavering support. "I have the biggest support system, which is my family, and they keep me in check. Everything is in order because of them. They are supportive of my pageantry work, just as much as they support me with my schoolwork," she added.
She maintained that the Miss Namibia experience has already imparted valuable lessons. "I feel like I have evolved as a person. My public speaking, communication and leadership skills have improved. I am not shy, but I was never the first to say 'I want to talk'. Now, I am more comfortable speaking on camera. This experience has moulded me into a better person."
Youth participation
In her ‘Smell The Coffee’ interview on NTV, Garises highlighted the importance of youth participation in shaping the future. She mentioned that it is important for young people to register to vote, as they are the future of this country. “You want to have a say in who your leaders are, so make sure you go vote," she said.
If crowned Miss Namibia, Garises is clear about a cause close to her heart she would dedicate her time to. "My advocacy is on fatherlessness and the impact it has on society and children. I want to motivate and encourage fathers to be present in their children’s lives as it is very important for their well-being."
The Miss Namibia 2024 crowning event is set to take place on Saturday, 20 July, in Lüderitz. tjil has been running profiles on the top 10 finalists leading up to the ceremony.
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