Tonight's 'educative' youth pageantry to thrill Pres Hotel guests
Nnasaretha Kgamanyane | Friday October 5, 2018 14:44
The event director, Oteng Gabalebatse told Arts & Culture that the pageantry seeks to celebrate the talent and intellectual abilities of young men and women of Botswana. He said it would also build ascendancy and humane works through beauty and culture.
“The aim of the educational event is to promote education, self love, empowerment and to seek global advancement for Batswana men and women. It is designed to identify young men and women in the community who characterise the key qualities of leadership, talent, motivation and the celebration of culture, style and fashion,” he said.
He explained that beauty pageant intends to give the local youth a platform where they find visibility, discover and re-discover self and strengths. Moreover, the event is intended to increase contestants’ confidence, enhance personality, interact with people from different cultures and therefore widening their horizons and representing the country and its culture.
Gabalebatse said when choosing their top 12 contestants, they did not have height restrictions They allowed people of different body sizes to enrol, allowed people with or without children, chose people without a criminal record and those who were fluent in both English and Setswana.
He added that his pageant stood out from others as it focuses on humanitarianism and philanthropy. He pointed out that it seeks to meet the objectives of developing entrepreneurship and providing a forum and access to a key target markets within the country. “After crowning, the winners are engaged in projects dealing with teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, gender-based violence amongst Botswana youth and HIV/AIDS,” he said.
The winners are to walk away with P10 000 worth of prizes that includes trips, accommodation vouchers, company registrations, smartphones to mention a few.
Since establishing the pageantry, Gabalebatse said directing a pageant of this magnitude was tough as he encountered many challenges along the way, which d finding sponsors. He added that they also had an offer from Mr and Miss Global Youth Ambassador beauty pageant organisers in Philippines, but had to decline it due to lack of sponsorship. He therefore called on the local business community to support youth projects.
“At the grand finale, we will be graced by this year’s MyStar winner, Edwin who will be treating our audience to performances. There’ll also be Peter who was amongst this year’s top 10 finalists, Koola who is a hip hop artist, Flavadome and My African Dream presenter, Dj TK and others. We also have Psycho Kings, a group of young men who dab and Trizzy who is a break-dancer on our lineup,” he said.
The sponsors include Zaini Cell, Fine Edge Consultancy, New Day Travel and Tours, Thatis Travel and Tours, Cresta President Hotel, Falcon Crest Suites, Diponeng Hotel, Markbiz Still Water, Kings and Queens Travel and Tours, Century Perfect Pictures.