Miss Earth semi-finalist changing lives
Miss Earth regional semi-finalist Milanie Cilliers describes her Miss Earth SA journey and how changing lives inspire her.
Milanie Cilliers from Centurion has made it to the regional semi-finals of the Miss Earth South Africa 2015 contest. She is a North-West University B.Com entrepreneurship and business management graduate, part-time model and editor of fashion websites. Cilliers is currently studying fashion design at Intec College.
Milanie was born in Mokopane and has always loved nature as she was raised in a safari conservancy. She said as a farmgirl, she was always intrigued by nature and that is why she is outgoing, fun and loves traveling.
The 21-year-old semi-finalist said she entered the competition to change the lives of the youth and make a difference in the community.
“I entered Miss Earth South Africa because I believe if you want to see change, you have to initiate and live it. Conservation, nature and people have always been a passion of mine and Miss Earth South Africa provides a platform to develop all of these into projects. It’s important for me to make a difference, so I am eager and excited to learn, grow and inspire others to do the same.
“My parents raised me to always trust in myself and to believe in making the impossible happen. Throughout this journey I will hold on to this belief and use it as my guideline in every project I undertake. A green and organic life is a good life,” she said.
Cilliers has so far worked on many projects for the Miss Earth campaign, including establishing vegetable gardens and planting trees at two schools, one in Limpopo and one in Kameelfontein near Pretoria.
“I did the ‘planted a food garden and waste management and recycling project’ at Sterkrivier Combined School in Limpopo in May, planted Lemon trees at President Kruger Orphanage and volunteered at the SPCA in May. I like working with schools because I get to form a bond with the learners.”
Her next projects are planting indigenous trees to minimise the carbon footprint on the ‘1 215 km + 1 215 golf shots = 1 215 Rhinos remembered tractor trip’ and supporting the Rhino orphanage at the Benefit Gold Day.
Director of the Miss Earth South Africa said the programme is focused on developing young women through environmental education, empowering them with knowledge and a platform to preserve South Africa’s natural heritage. The programme also creates an awareness of: sustainable development, our environment, wildlife and the conservation of our natural legacy, and ultimately the preservation of Mother Earth.
Also read:
‘Pure and perfect’ rose for Miss Earth South Africa
Six-year-old Centurion girl wins Miss Tiny SA
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