Matric is a busy year for any teenager, but Boikemisetso Sefalane (17) has added to the demands by entering the 2017 Zee World Miss Teen Commonwealth SA Pageant.<\/p>\n
The GCN recently caught up with this ambitious Dawnview High School learner when she visited the GCN\u2019s offices, last Monday.<\/p>
Boikemisetso, who lives in the Phumla informal settlement, heard about the competition through her modelling agency and decided to get involved, as she felt the pageant would help her to make a difference in her community.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe pageant is not just about looks. It is more about empowering young women and helping them make a difference in their communities,\u201d she explained.<\/p>
\u201cIt also enriches the community as a whole because finalists have to become involved with local charities,<\/p>\n
helping them to raise funds, and volunteer at the charity,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Boikemisetso has chosen to get involved with The Way Forward Organisation, in Vosloorus.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe organisation\u2019s main objective is to help orphans,\u201d she explained.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey visit the orphans at their homes, making sure they have everything they need, from groceries to clothing and even helping with homework.\u201d<\/p>\n
Boikemisetso was drawn to the charity as she loves children and can relate to the organisation\u2019s passion for educating the youth, and teaching them values and ethics they can use in later life.<\/p>\n
She hopes to find corporate and individual sponsors who will help her raise funds for the home.<\/p>\n
In addition, Boikemisetso is considering adopting a second charity, which will help the elderly.<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to have a balance between the young and the old because I feel both sectors need the support of the community,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
On top of their charity work, finalists are preparing for a series of interactive workshops, where the girls will learn, be given an opportunity to model and be asked a series of questions by the judges.<\/p>\n
Boikemisetso\u2019s family, mother Grace and brothers Kgothatso (24) and Kamo (3), have supported and continue to support her through the ins and outs of the pageant.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy mom and brother Kgothatso are always helping me with whatever needs to be done,\u201d she said happily.<\/p>\n
To sponsor one of Boikemisetso\u2019s chosen charities, contact her on 063 735 6217 or visit her pageant Facebook page by searching \u201cBoikemisetso Sefalane-Zee World Miss Teen Commonwealth SA Finalist 2017<\/a>\u201d.<\/p>\n Other articles you may be interested in:<\/strong><\/p>\n