Stage set for Mr and Miss Little Independence

Maureen Odubeng | Thursday September 22, 2016 14:58

The pageant for the little ones, themed ‘Beauty, Talent, and Culture’ will take place on September 24 at Boipuso Hall.  The finale will see 32 young boys and girls, contesting for the Mr and Miss Little Independence crown.   The 32 were selected from auditions held in 10 different places around the country being Gaborone, Lobatse, Jwaneng, Mochudi, Selebi Phikwe, Kasane, Maun, Francistown, Gantsi, and Mahalapye.

The pageant opened to boys and girls aged 5 to 15.

“I would like to thank SOS Francistown and Stepping Stones for their support. Allowing their children to be part of us and allowing us to use their premises.  I would also love to thank the parents for taking this initiative in a positive way, because children came in large numbers and parents were there to support,” Tshepiso Ntshole said. 

Ntshole said that as CHIPABO, they realised that children do not understand the meaning of independence, hence coming up with Mr and Miss Little Independence Botswana.

“The theme ‘Beauty, Talent and Culture’ comes in handy, because it is another way of instilling our culture and heritage in our little ones, let alone making them aware of the history behind the celebration of independence. This initiative is a pilot project with big intentions.” CHIPABO, sister organisation to CHIPAWO, intends for all other countries to do the same for example Mr and Miss Little Independence South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

This is, “for cultural exchange of our young queens,” Ntshole said.

The finale will feature charitable artists.

“I would also love to thank the following artists, Casper, Mafihlakgosi, Mmurubele for their pledge of free performances at the grand finale.  Lastly I would like to thank our sponsors, Fairgrounds Holdings, Ma Africa Hair Salon, Kids Emporium, Grounded Accessories, Kids Palace, Ma Desert Guest House and Mandy Promotions.  Thank you for believing in us,” Ntshole said.

CHIPABO founding chairperson and coordinator, Edward Moroka, explained that the idea started when one of the arts educators Batshidi Moeti from the Maun centre suggested that they should do Miss Little BOT50.

“We were excited about the idea, after some weeks Tshepiso and I sat down and discussed further.  We decided it would be wise if it is Mr and Miss Little Independence, so that our little ones could shine,” he said.

Moroka said the team has struggled because of lack of sponsorship, as during the auditions they had to dig deep into their pockets to finance transportation and accommodation.

 “I remember one day telling my team that I want to quit this because it is straining us a lot, and I thought of the little ones who have auditioned who are patiently waiting to come to the grand finale,” he said.

He also thanked companies, musicians and individuals who have supported the initiative thus far, pleading with parents, companies and individuals to purchase tickets, so that they can be part of the ‘memorable event’.