7 things we can teach kids from Miss Universe Zozibini Tunzi

Zozibini Tunzi’s win as Miss Universe 2019 is not only a win for us as a country and continent, it is also a win for young children everywhere.

Here are some lessons we can teach our kids, and those they can also learn from our Queen.

1) Self-affirmation

Tunzi stood proudly on that stage and told the world that as part of her daily routine, she looks at herself in the mirror every morning and tells herself that she is beautiful and talented. Confidence is an inside job and young children need to learn to instil it within themselves every day.

2) No dream is too big

We are certain that it was young Tunzi’s dream to be crowned the queen of the Universe. She never gave up on that dream and ensured that she works hard to meet it. Parents can teach their children no dream is unattainable.

3) Never give up

This was not the first time Tunzi entered the Miss SA pageant which led her to the victory of Miss Universe 2019. She entered in 2017 and was a semi-finalist. Her persistence to take the Miss SA crown saw her re-enter the competition and win it in 2019.

4) Take up space

This lesson is particularly for young girls as part of her response to the question “What is the most important thing we should be teaching young girls today?”. She responded by stating that young girls must be taught to be in roles of leadership. For a long time, society has labeled women to be nurturers, but now they know that they are much more. We must teach girls to take up their rightful place in society and own it.

5) Confidence is key

Tunzi knows that she is a beautiful and intelligent woman and is not shy to say it. She jokes about how she entered Miss SA because she wanted to prove to her family that she was the most beautiful of the Tunzi sisters. Young girls and boys should know not to downplay their talents and gifts. They should rather own them and share them with the world as Tunzi has done.

6) Be comfortable in your skin

Tunzi said, “I grew up in a world where a woman who looks like me, with my kind of skin and my kind of hair, was never considered to be beautiful”. Tunzi has redefined what beauty looks like across the world, and has shifted people’s perspectives. Now, young girls can confidently believe in their short hair and dark skin. They will also believe their parents when they tell them they are beautiful.

7) Nothing grows in your comfort zone

Tunzi’s biggest lesson for 2019 is that one needs to exit their comfort zone if they want to achieve something. This is a powerful lesson that every child needs to learn