By Francine Holmes

Imagine a place where equality really does exist. Imagine a place where girls can excel in school and be valued members of society. Imagine a place where women can apply their educational knowledge to stop the cycle of poverty from continuing. That is my mission for my country Tanzania.
– Flaviana Matata, May 2011.

Flaviana Matata is a Tanzanian beauty queen and fashion model. She got her start in 2007 when she won Miss Universe Tanzania.

I actually admire the fact that she isn’t just a pretty face, she is also socially conscious and uses her fame for a higher purpose: to help better the lives of others.

Her foundation FMF (Flaviana Matata Foundation), through its ‘Back to School’ initiative, is making an earnest attempt at reducing poverty by promoting the empowerment of girls through education.

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