Teen model to represent Zim in Botswana

Youth Interactive Writer

A 15-year-old Harare model, Nushel Kareko, has been invited to showcase her talent at the second edition of the Crown Dominators pageant in Gaborone, Botswana, next month.

Running from December 6-8, Kaseko, who is the reigning Miss Africa Gem, will link up with 10 other regional models at the pageant, courtesy of Blaq October.

A letter from Blaq October director, Vanessa Leepo, confirmed her participation.

“This is an invitation to participate in this international pageant and modelling competition hosted by Blaq October under the Crown Dominators competitions.

“The international competition takes place in Gaborone, Botswana from December 6-8.

“You will be representing your country and competing with other countries that are taking part in the second edition of Crown Dominators,” reads part of the letter.

Outlining their vision, Leepo said the contest was meant to empower teen models.

Crown Dominators is an umbrella of international pageant and modelling competitions aimed at promoting self-empowerment, cultural exchange, and entrepreneurship.

“We are looking forward to receiving you in our beautiful country of Botswana as you take part in this season’s competitions.”

In an interview, Nushel was in high spirits ahead of her new challenges in Gaborone.

She gave a brief profile of herself and narrated her journey in modelling.

“I am 15 years old. I started modelling at the age of 13. I have participated in nine pageants so far. I learn at Red Cross Independence College,” she said.

The model, who has vowed to make an impression in Botswana, described her triumph at Miss Gem Africa as her turning point.

“Miss Gem Africa has been the biggest pageant I have participated in lately. “The pageant was about showcasing our beauty, intelligence and culture.”

Nushel said she has made it to the top with the support of family members.

“I always receive support from my family who are helping me to balance my schedules.

“Balancing school and modelling require effective time management, so I created a schedule and I planned.

“On week days, I will be at school then on weekends that’s when I do modelling .”

Unlike other students who prefer white-collar jobs after leaving school,  Nushel’s heart lies in pageantry.

“Modelling is something that I want to pursue after school.

“I am seeing myself self-representing Miss World in the next five years.”

“The only challenges I face is lack of sponsorship to pursue my dream.”

Crown Dominators, which seeks to uplift young girls in the region, promotes entrepreneurship and beauty with purpose.

The regional pageant comes at a time when young girls are making an impression in pageantry.

Over the years, some parents still bar their children from taking pageants in pageantry.

However, there seems to be a change of mindset among modern-day parents who are empowering the girl child to take part in modelling.