(Seychelles News Agency) - Miss Seychelles Another World 2016 contestant Lianne Barbé is hoping to make her family proud after taking a year to build the confidence to take part in the upcoming pageant.

Barbé says she was first encouraged to join the pageant by a cousin who will not see her on the catwalk May 28, as she passed away last year.

“I dedicate my participation in this year’s Miss Seychelles Another world to my dear cousin,” Barbé said to SNA.

“I believe that I will make my family proud this year,” she said, adding she is aiming to be among the top three on crowning night.

On the community side of her participation in the pageant, the only participant from Praslin, the Seychelles’ second-most populated island, is keen on creating opportunities for young people who have suffered unfortunate accidents.

The 19-year-old would like to focus her efforts on young people up to the age of 25 who have been affected in one way or another as a result of road accidents.

“Many children not only in Seychelles are victims of accidents each year. While lives are lost in some cases there are those who survive although suffering various degree injuries from a few scratches to severe physical trauma,” said Barbé.

Through her beauty with a purpose project titled ‘a brighter chance after accidents’ she is aiming to raise funds through various activities including talent shows, as well as seeking sponsorships, to cater for any needs of her target group.

Barbé is starting off raising money to buy an electric wheel chair to help a school friend who ended up paralyzed due to a road accident a few years back.

“This will help facilitate his everyday life and studies,” she said to SNA.

The third child in a family of two older sisters and a younger brother, Barbé is actively involved in her local church choir.

On the career front, Barbé plans to pursue her studies, as she dreams of joining the airline industry as a pilot. In the meantime, she awaits her graduation with a diploma in reception operations and services from the Seychelles Tourism Academy in two months.

Looking forward to the crowning of the Miss Seychelles Another World 2016, she describes her experience joining the pageant as an enjoyable one which has led to bonds of friendship.

Editor’s Note: Twelve contestants are taking part in the 2016 Miss Seychelles Another World pageant. The crowning ceremony will take place on Saturday May 28. SNA is writing feature stories on each participant in the order they appear as contestants up to the crowning night.