08 Feb 2017

The second edition of Little Mr and Ms Independence returns with much improvement, fun and growth.

Auditions are expected to be held this month and the organiser, Edward Moroka revealed in an interview that this year’s pageant would be bigger and better.

He said the pageant, which started last year with inspiration from the BOT50 celebrations, is intended to be an annual event. He indicated that, unlike last year, the pageant would be divided into two categories; ages five to nine years and 10 to 15 years for both boys and girls.

“Last year we did not categorise according to age and some of the participants were disadvantaged. We will host auditions in 16 locations where we will each have a finalist,” he explained.

He said parents would be invited to witness the selection of the finalists.

Moroka said the objective is to unearth talent and beauty in children. He emphasised the need for children to be given a platform to showcase their talent at a tender age.

Currently the organising team is ironing out some logistics, which include securing venues in different districts for the auditions and Moroka is promising an exciting and fun-filled event. He noted that children can start registering at their nearest libraries.

He said the team members are digging deep into their pocket to finance the pageant and if it happens that sponsors come on board, they will meet them half way.

Their dream is to go international and establish the pageant in other SADC countries. 

This, he said, would unite children in those countries and promote cultural exchange as well as build confidence in children.

Moroka, who is also the chairperson of Children Association of Performing Arts Botswana (CHIPABO) said he advocates for children to participate in international arts festivals and World Children’s Awards.

The CHIPABO mission is to foster an environment in which there is sharing, caring, constructive criticism and gender equality arts activities open to all children.

He said they work tirelessly as an organisation to ensure that children take part in international celebrations such as Day of the African Child, International Mother Language Day and International Day of Children Broadcasting Day, among others. ENDS