09 Jun 2025

Mini Miss Botswana 2025, Isago Ralethaka, is proof that true beauty lies in kindness, as she made a donation to the Princess Marina Hospital’s paediatric ward on June 6.

With temperatures dropping, the eight year-old queen knew exactly what her Beauty With a Purpose project as Miss Junior Idol World Botswana (Mini Miss category) should focus on, keeping children warm. She donated a collection of soft, fuzzy socks to young patients at the hospital.

“It is winter, so I knew that patients need to be kept warm. That is why I decided to donate socks as part of my community project,” said Isago, who also wears the title of Mini Miss Independence Botswana. 

When flights to the Philippines for Mini Miss Independence grand finale were cancelled last year, Miss Junior Idol Botswana selected Isago as their new representative.

“We chose Isago particularly because she is a talented and confident little girl,” said national director of Miss Junior Idol World, Lebogang Matheakgomo. “She is more than capable of representing Botswana on the international stage in Thailand, where she will compete from July 7 to 8.”

She said Isago will depart for Thailand on June 30, to not only compete with other young contestants but also present her project. 

“She is only 8, but you should see her walk. Her confidence is out of this world,” Matheakgomo said, expressing full confidence over her project.

Keemenao Sampisi, the hospital’s principal public relations officer emphasised the rarity and significance of donations from children to their peers. 

“When it does happen, it is always that extra special. This warm gesture will make a real difference for the 26 children currently housed in the paediatric ward, along with their parents. We look forward to more initiatives like this one. 

They have a greater impact when it is from peer to peer,” he added. BOPA