The search for the next Miss Rwanda reaches to a crucial stage, as the beauty contest enters phase two.

The 20 finalists will head to La Palisse Hotel, in Nyamata, Bugesera District, this weekend, January13, for almost two weeks of intense training in all aspects of being a beauty queen.

The finalists were selected during the pre-selection event last weekend, at the Gikondo Expo Ground, to continue in the race.

Meanwhile, this past week, the contestants have been engaged in a week-long media tour, where they talked about their projects.

According to Rwanda Inspiration Backup, official organisers of the pageant, the girls would take classes on public speaking, catwalk, beauty and presentation, and a master class on life after Miss Rwanda.

They will also be mentored how to develop their own projects so they have a big impact to the Rwandan community.

A ‘determined’ and trending Josiane Mwiseneza is the only contestant representing Western Province, after she secured a Pass and later on, a ticket to the boot camp after being selected among twenty girls, who will compete at the finals.

Southern and Eastern provinces have most girls in the competition, while two are representing City of Kigali (seven each), and three Northern Province.

Requirements

It is understood that ahead of the boot camp, each contestant is required to bring an outfit for the photo shoot exercise, and a formal dress for the grand finale. Each contestant is asked to carry a cocktail dress, and a Made-in-Rwanda dress, five pairs of jeans, and high heels shoes.

Other necessities  include; a makeup kit, a pullover, insurance card, a recommendation letter from the contestant’s parents or guardians, as well as a Cogebank-branded pen and notebook.

According to the organisers, five contestants will be eliminated from the boot camp, with just 15 girls reaching the grand finale.

The overall Miss Rwanda 2019 winner will be crowned by her predecessor, Liliane Iradukunda, in a glamorous grand finale event on January 26, at Intare Conference Arena, Rusororo.

The prizes include a brand-new car and a monthly stipend of Rwf800, 000 courtesy of Cogebanque, for a period of one year. The first runner-up, and second runner-up will walk away with Rwf1 million and Rwf500, 000, respectively.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw