Penza State University is actively preparing for the beauty contest among international female students of PSU ‘Miss World. Folk Queen - 2024’. This year is a special year for the project – it is the tenth anniversary of the contest.

After the casting of the contest, which took place on September 30, 7 representatives of different countries of the world were selected from 20 declared participants, who became the finalists. On October 2, the girls had a draw within the walls of the Penza Planetarium - after a short lecture on outer space, the Foucault pendulum helped the participants determine the lucky numbers. According to the results of the draw, the competition numbers were distributed as follows:
Participant no1. Munsanje Chabota, Zambia
Participant no 2. Kim Veronika, Kazakhstan
Participant no 3. Malika Achilova, Turkmenistan
Participant no 4. Jonona Boboeva, Tajikistan
Participant no 5. Abdumazhidova Diyora, Uzbekistan
Participant no 6. Shelak Bhaviben, India
Participant no 7. Dzhilkibaeva Ayana, Kyrgyzstan

For the first time this year, Veronika Kim, a first-year student of the Faculty of Pedagogy, Psychology and Social Sciences, will represent her country, Kazakhstan, in the contest. The girl is a candidate for master of sports in rhythmic gymnastics, and she is ready to surprise and conquer hearts at the contest. “For me, “Miss World. Folk Queen” contest is not only an opportunity to demonstrate my talents and beauty, but also a chance to meet wonderful people and exchange experiences. Preparations are in full swing: I am developing my public speaking skills, attending rehearsals and working on myself. I try to find a balance between studying and rehearsals in order to fully reveal my potential. Participation in the contest gives me the opportunity not only to show myself, but also to become part of something bigger!” Veronika shared.

The Miss World contest can be called a “family” one, as families already participate in it. In 2021, the winner of the “First Vice-Miss” title was Parizoda Abdumazhidova, currently a fourth-year student of the Faculty of History, Languages and Literature. And this year, her sister Diyora, who is currently a second-year student and will soon become a linguist, will compete for the victory. “For me, the contest is a great opportunity to declare myself, present my culture and show that beauty lies not only in appearance, but also in the inner world. Participation in such an event allows you to become part of a large and friendly family of girls from all over the world. Preparation is an exciting and intense process that requires not only physical fitness, but also emotional work. During rehearsals, we support and inspire each other. We become not just rivals, but real friends who are ready to help each other,” notes Diyora.

On October 23, the Penza Regional Library for Children and Youth hosted the intellectual stage "Friendship Lessons". Each of the contest participants presented their country, told schoolchildren about traditions and customs, and treated them to national cuisine. Based on the results of this stage, the winner in the nomination "Miss Intelligence" will be determined.
Another challenge for all participants was a themed photo shoot, based on the results of which "Miss Photo" will be chosen. And in the official group of the Institute of International Cooperation, voting has been launched for the participant you like.  The girl who gets the most votes will become the winner of the title "Miss Audience Choice".

The final and most exciting stage for all the girls will be the final show, which will take place in a week - on November 20 at 18:00 in the assembly hall of  Building 11. Now both the participants and the organizers are actively preparing.

"We have reached the home stretch: long rehearsals, the basics of the fashion show, and preparation of creative performances are behind us. And our viewers will be able to appreciate the results of our efforts very soon. We will be glad to see everyone in the hall at the final of the X beauty contest "Miss World. Folk Queen - 2024"! say the organizers.