MASERU — About 30 young aspiring beauties will have a chance to hone their modelling skills when they take part in a pageant at Maria ‘Mabasotho Church next month.
The girls, aged between three and five, will battle it out in the Miss Lesotho Toddler contest on December 4.
Those between the ages of six and 12 will take part in the Little Miss Lesotho Companies.
The pageant is being organised by Limakatso Makutle.
Makutle told the weekender that the winner of the Little Miss Lesotho Companies would be sent to Little Miss World next year in October at a venue to be announced.
She added that the two beauty contests are meant to uplift and promote modelling talent at a tender age.
“The pageants are organised to groom modelling talent at a young age. We are targeting parents whose children have drive, confidence, talent and passion for modelling,” she said.
Makutle said the young girls will also be empowered on how to report about abuse.
“They will also be educated on their rights and the right departments to approach in time of trouble,” Makutle said.
As part of the grooming, the young participants will visit orphanages.
“We are grooming a strong, focused and firm young generation of beautiful girls.”
Makutle added: “We are also instilling compassion among young beauties because every beautiful girl needs to help the less privileged.”
She said the 30 finalists are already undergoing training.
“We have 30 young beauties, 15 for each pageant. They have already started training every Saturday at Cadet Centre Hall.”
Makutle said they recruited the children after sending out application forms to primary schools around Maseru.
“The main aim is to get companies involved in the development of the modelling industry but so far the positive response we are receiving is from parents, a first step to greater things. The event is being sponsored by parents and Catholic Radio,” she said.
Makutle said the pageant will see participants entertaining the audience with dance and song.
“The event is to help boost self-confidence so participants will sing and dance as part of the event’s entertainment,” she said.
She added that the pageant’s idea is to have winners.
“The modelling industry is seeking to push modelling to the international level so this event is going to help produce professional winners who would be able to compete to win,” she said.
“Modelling is an art and providing training to young beautiful models will help strengthen the local industry.”
