Yvonne Kabarokore, widely known on social media as Ïvy, departed for Cambodia on Monday, November 18, 2024, to represent Rwanda in the fourth edition of the Miss Planet International beauty pageant. She left from Kigali International Airport, accompanied by family members who wished her a safe and successful journey.
Ïvy, a member of Mashirika Performing Arts Group, recently graduated from the New International Performing Arts Institute in Berlin, Germany, where she studied Theater Directing.
Reflecting on her participation in the global competition, she said,
“I am confident! It’s not just about winning but also about exploring
opportunities, showcasing who I am, and representing my country. It’s a journey
of growth.”
To prepare for the
pageant, she has been engaging with other contestants and honing her skills.
Apart from competing in beauty pageants, Ïvy is a devout Christian, a
filmmaker, and an independent model passionate about creativity. She explained,
“I strive to balance everything I love—whether it’s modeling, directing films,
or other forms of art.”
Ïvy earned the title of
Miss Planet Rwanda after submitting her application and excelling in the
selection process. This marks Rwanda's first appearance at the competition
since 2022, when Cynthia Uwimbabazi was unable to participate due to unforeseen
challenges.
The winner of Miss Planet
International will receive a cash prize of 30 million Rwandan Francs. Ïvy plans
to invest in mental health initiatives if she wins. “I would use the prize
money to establish a mental health support center to help those in need,” she
revealed.
Having spent the past year preparing, Ïvy focused on learning more about Rwanda’s culture and deepening her understanding of the countries she will meet at the competition. She emphasized, “This is not just a contest; it’s a chance to represent my roots and connect with the world.”
Ïvy Kabarokore competes
in the 4th Miss Planet International
CLICK HERE to watch ourinterview with Rwanda’s representative, Yvonne