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I was born 29 years ago in Burundi. I am a mother of one boy, I was raised in a family of seven children in a very deeply religious family. My father was a minister and our family moved often. Since he valued my education, I lived with my grandmother so I could attend school. My childhood was interrupted by civil war in Burundi. I lost touch with my family because of the conflict. I married and had a child, but the violence in my country claimed my husband. Currently, I am enrolled at Middlesex Community College in Bedford Massachusetts majoring in nursing.
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Six years ago I was forced to flee my country and I came to the US. My son, who then was four years old, become separated from me.
Marie Kiyungu.
From www.missafricaunitedstates.com
Below is Marie Kiyungu's UGPulse interview with UGPulse Beauty Editor, Pauline Long.
Marie Kiyungu.
The 2007-2008 Miss Africa Scholarship Pageant Awards
Can you please tell us briefly about your background?
My name is Marie Kiyungu. I was born and raised in Burundi, in a deeply religious family. I
have three brothers and three sisters. Currently I am enrolled at Middlesex Community College,
in Bedford Massachusetts, majoring in nursing. I plan to pursue my graduation educating in
International Health policy.
What was your drive behind entering this prestigious beauty pageant?
Many things brought me to this pageant. I have wanted to explore the fashion world for a long
time, so the pageant satisfies that; but more importantly, I entered this particular pageant because
of my desire to help children. Being Miss Africa United States, offers me a way to publicize the
needs of children in so many African countries torn apart by conflict.
You must have a lot of passion for your country of origin to enter Miss Africa USA, what is it you
love most about it?
As they say home is where your heart is. Despite the conflict in my country in the past, Burundi
is beautiful. I love most of the traditions and culture of my country and its people too. I love the
celebrations, the dances, the language, and the long rich cultural traditions of my people.
What book are you currently reading?
Currently I am reading the short story Arabysa from the book Dubliners, by James Joyce, I am
reading this book for my English class in school but, reading is one of my hobbies, I find it
comforting, enlightening, and it also helps me to relax. This story is about childhood and
growing up in Dublin, and how things aren't, as they seemed to us in childhood, or how what we
wish and what is real are often so far apart. It's a little depressing.
What's the one thing you would never do without?
The one thing I would not do without is prayer; I believe this may come as shock, since I am
taking part in a beauty pageant. I am a devout Christian, I have endured many things in life the
only thing that helped me through it was prayer. I would not want to do without the power of
prayer.
What are your favourite spots in Africa?
My favorite spots include lake Tanganyika which is a large lake in central Africa, it is
estimated to be the second largest freshwater lake in the world by volume, and the
second deepest. The lake is divided between four countries; Burundi, Democratic
Republic of the Congo (DRC), Tanzania and Zambia. I also like Mount Kilimanjaro which
is the highest mountain in Africa, and lastly visiting national parks all over Africa.
How would you describe beauty in the eyes of an African woman?
In my opinion, beauty starts from inside, a beautiful woman who has respect for others. She has
confidence and self esteem. She is courageous. She has a big heart and a drive to help others.
Marie Kiyungu.
How would you sell Africa as an ambassador to USA and the rest of the world?
People in the USA and the rest of the world know so little about Africa! Very few have even
heard of my country. I think all Africans should work at educating others and telling them about
our continent. I think it is important to present images showing the beauty of Africa. Mostly
people know only negative things about Africa; the wars, disease, poverty, and focus on remote
areas, so we need to highlight the beauty of the people who are working to make Africa better
and stronger, and the beauty and riches of this continent. Without this no one will know the real
Africa!
What are your inspirations and what do you aspire to be?
Many, many people have inspired me. Some of them I can't name, they are people who helped
me start a new life. - And some I can name; my grandmother, my pastor, my friend Kate and her
family. Their love and support makes me want to reach out to help other, so I aspire to be able to
reach those less fortunate than I am, so they can find health and safety. I am fortunate to be in
this country of opportunity. I pray to God everyday that I will be able to reach others to help
them to find such opportunities.
Why do you want to be crowned Miss Africa United States?
The future of any country is the children. I want to be crowned Miss Africa United States
because I want to focus attention on children who have no parents. Some lost their parents
because of the war and others because of AIDS. I hope I will be the next crowned queen, because
this will give me the opportunity to develop projects that will help these children in my country
and in other parts of Africa.
Have you got any beauty tips you would like to share with UGPulse readers?
The one beauty tip I have is something only a person adventurous will do! Here we go, ladies!
For my face I mix an egg with pure honey, use it as mask for 45 minutes daily; the result is
unbelievable! It makes the skin soft and smooth.
Thank you UGpulse for this wonderful interview, I had a lot of fun. Thank you Miss Africa
United States committee, for this prestigious exposures. Special thanks to our Founder, Lady
Kate for believing in me.
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