Charity crown pageant to make a change

Miss Proficient South Africa launched the Charity Crown Pageant to restore the dignity of young women in the community.

One of the directors Pretty Legatlape said many young girls drop out of school because they lack basic essentials like toiletries and sanitary towels.

We were so heartbroken to find out that some kids are still using toilet paper, newspapers and torn-up cloths as pads,” said Pretty.

The Charity Crown Pageant contestants are required to help them bring the change that Miss Proficient South Africa wants to achieve, as they are working for the community and adhere to the Batho Pele principle (people first). The contestants have to help them collect basic essentials such as toiletries, sanitary towels, clothes and food to be donated to the needy. At the same time they will be competing for prizes.

Pretty said the collected items will be donated to the young women on their database, so the more donations they receive, the more the database grows.

“At first we used to donate and try bring the change we wanted to see in our community from our own pockets, but as time went by it became difficult to sustain, although emotionally we were blessed.

So many kids in our community cannot even go to school due to their backgrounds, so we came up with something people would love to take part in and would excite the youth – a Charity Crown Pageant where everyone would help us with our community work in return for the grand prizes for the winners. The pageant also develops the contestants’ personality and wellness.”

She described Miss Proficient South Africa as a charity pageant that seeks to broaden empowerment to historically disadvantaged women in their communities and countrywide. They discover talent at an early age, and they groom, build confidence and create opportunities that will enable them to achieve their dreams. They ensure that women know their worth and their beauty, and believe in themselves other than looking for a rich husband to take care of them.

“Contestants must collect toiletries, sanitary towels, blankets, clothes and food to donate, and anything else they can help their communities with. We also accept donations from outside the world of Miss Proficient South Africa.”