The inaugural Miss Primary and High Schools pageant, organized by Chief Leeuw, marked a significant step in bridging the educational and cultural gaps between township schools and former Model C schools. This event, aimed at empowering young girls and fostering community unity, brought together participants from across Bloemfontein.
Chief Leeuw was inspired to create the pageant to help young girls understand and embrace their identities, regardless of their school background. The community played a crucial role in organizing the event, with support from local schools, parents, and businesses.
The pageant featured a rigorous selection process, with contestants judged on career path attire, school uniforms, formal wear, and their responses during a question-and-answer segment. The judges sought contestants who displayed confidence, originality, and a strong sense of purpose.
Chief Leeuw emphasized that the pageant is a tool for empowerment, helping to build self-esteem and leadership skills while also addressing issues like gender-based violence (GBV) and human trafficking in Bloemfontein.
Despite its success, the event faced challenges, such as excluding Grade 12 learners to prioritize their education and the lack of plus-size contestants. These challenges are areas of focus for future editions.
Looking ahead, Chief Leew plans to make the pageant an annual event, with earlier entries and new initiatives like “Turning Up for Girls,” which will include community outreach programs and donations of sanitary towels and uniforms.
The Miss Primary and High Schools pageant has set a strong foundation for future events, promising to become a staple in Bloemfontein’s cultural calendar and a beacon of empowerment for young women across the region.
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