It takes a village to raise a child! In living up to this old adage, this past week comedian Jujuvine took to social media to plead financial support on behalf of Junior Idol World Botswana contestants whose financial constraints threatened their participation in the pageant in Thailand.
A few good Samaritans came to their aid and after an exasperating couple of days, the girls have all come out victorious!
National Director of Junior Idol World Botswana, Doreen Matheakgomo, has extended her utmost gratitude to all stakeholders who responded to their cries.
She stressed that most of the girls are incredibly talented but lack the financial means to pursue their dreams which is why they rely on donations.
Junior Idol World is an International pageant that aims to create opportunities for kids and teens to showcase their talent, attitude and abilities to the entire globe.
The pageant in Thailand was preceded by one that was held in Botswana on the 6th of November last year.
“Katlego Mpudi (8), Puoeng Maje(10), Leshatho Pabalinga(14), Tia Lekgoa(17), Andy Metsemebedi(17) and Kimberly Matheakgomo (10) dominated and truly manifested their talents, raising the Botswana flag high,” she said.
Junior Idol World Botswana will be returning home with a number of awards including Amazing Youth Award, Best Catwalk Award, Rising Star Award and Public Choice Award.
“Thailand and the rest of the world now know about Botswana because these girls sold our country in the best possible way.”
She pointed out that they have not been able to pay for one of the contestants but are hopeful that more donors will come their way.
“Their victory is a testament that we have talent in our nation and that it needs to be nurtured and exposed,” Matheakgomo said, further urging the government to take pageantry seriously to support young girls.