Moapare, teen queen with a heart of gold
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Monday February 16, 2026 09:27
To Moapare, her title is not just about wearing a crown; it is about embracing a huge responsibility to be a voice for her peers and her nation. 'It means I have been entrusted to showcase Botswana's beauty, culture, and values. I want to promote our rich tourism, from our untouched wildlife sanctuaries to the magic of the Okavango Delta, and celebrate a culture built on humility, warmth, peace, and respect,' she said.
Moapare's platform, Grace in Giving, is a testament to her commitment to serving others. The social responsibility project focuses on restoring faith, love, and belonging to those who feel forgotten, especially children in orphanages. 'Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and reminded that God has not forgotten them, and neither have we,' she explains.
Through Grace in Giving, she aims to address the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of less privileged children. She plans to provide essentials such as school supplies, clothing, sanitary products, and mentorship while also creating spaces where children can feel safe, valued, and encouraged to dream again.
The launch of Grace in Giving on February 28th in Gaborone marks the beginning of a community united in compassion. Eilleen-May invites everyone to join her in supporting less privileged children through donations, mentorship, and acts of kindness. 'This project is not just about giving material items, but about giving love, care, time, and a sense of belonging to those who often feel unseen,' she says.
As she prepares to represent Botswana at the Mini Model World pageant in Colombia, Eilleen-May is mindful of the responsibility that comes with wearing the crown. 'I carry the spirit, culture, and pride of an entire nation with me,' she says. 'I humbly ask Batswana to be my biggest supporters through encouragement, prayers, acts of kindness, and even assistance with my travel and preparation expenses.'
Moapare's message to young people is clear: 'Winning a title is not about wearing a crown; it's about accepting a big responsibility. A crown should represent service, discipline, and the willingness to take action, not just appearance.'
Looking ahead, Moapare plans to grow as a leader, expand the impact of Grace in Giving, and establish her own pageant organization to empower young girls across Botswana. 'I want to create a platform that focuses not only on beauty, but on leadership, education, talent development, community service, and cultural pride,' she says.
Her journey is a reminder that purpose is greater than popularity. She is using her platform to uplift others, promote kindness, and inspire young people to make a difference. As she says, 'If even one child believes in their dreams because of my journey, then I will know I used this title well.'