(Seychelles News Agency) - Many children end up hurting themselves and are crying out for help due low self-esteem, says a Miss Seychelles Another World Contestant.

Hemma Hoffman has taken it up upon herself to reach out to children facing such issues in the island nation through her beauty with a purpose project titled ‘low self-esteem.’

“Children with such problems should be getting the help they need and not be ignored,” Hoffman said to SNA.

Lobbying for the availability of a counsellor in every district to help children in understanding their own self is one of the aims of her community fulfillment project.

Hoffman says she has drawn her inspiration from witnessing the experience of a younger family member who has very low self-esteem.

The resident of Foret Noire, in central Mahé, the Seychelles main island, is currently in her final year studying ‘front office service operation’ at the Seychelles Tourism Academy. The 18-year-old is keen on joining the tourism industry, the mainstay of the Seychelles’ economy, while also aspiring to become a model.

“Participating in the pageant is a good start,” she said to SNA, adding that prior to that she has had two years of experience being a photo model for Coral Modelling Agency.

Aside of gaining the experience needed to attain her future dream, Hoffman sees the Miss Seychelles pageant as a means of meeting new people and making new friends.

The aspiring beauty queen said that if ever she wins the coveted crown this Saturday, she will seek to be an ambassador for Seychelles and encourage more people to visit the island nation.

Hoffman, who describes herself as friendly, curious, caring and respectful, enjoys watching movies, dancing and hanging out with her friends. Ballet dancing and athletics are two of her other passions which she had to leave aside to focus more on her studies.

The eldest of two children says her mother has always been her source of inspiration. “I want to become like her, because she is a strong and successful woman and I admire her for that,” said Hoffman, adding that they are similar in a lot of ways.

Optimistic about life and whatever trials comes her way, the aspiring beauty queen’s personal belief is: “never give up because I always believe in doing what needs to be done in order to achieve my goals.”

The 12 contestants taking part in the 2016 Miss Seychelles Another World Pageant are in the final stage of their preparation for crowning night the coming weekend.

The winner of the coveted crown will represent Seychelles at the Miss World Pageant later in the year. 

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.