The once popular Miss Heidedal beauty pageant has risen from the ashes and is back with the aim to empower, support and mould the youth of today. Taking the reins is well-known local fashion designer, Gerhardt Shebe, together with the Face of Beauty South Africa, Meghan Pearl Kurrama.
According to the duo, this is their way of giving back to their community as the programme aims to mould and support the youth in Heidedal. “We want to remind our young girls of who they are called to be and that they are the future leaders and role models of tomorrow,” said Kurrama. Miss Heidedal was previously managed by the late Nicole Baartman under the non-profit organisation, Sisterhood.
According to Kurrama, there is a lack of role models in the city and the youth of Bloemfontein need someone to look up to and to be reminded that their dreams are valid.
“With Miss Heidedal we will be focusing closely on the development of these young girls, educating them on why dreaming is important and also teaching them that it is possible.
Teenage pregnancy and the use of drugs and alcohol are no longer things we can consider as a norm. Our girls need to be re-introduced to their dreams and to be reminded that there is life with possibilities beyond the four walls of their circumstances. Miss Heidedal is here to bring hope and upliftment,” concluded Kurrama.
Shebe, who works with girls as a fashion designer, decided to jump on board to “keep our girls busy with positive and uplifting activities.” He said, “My hopes for Miss Heidedal is to empower our girls with self-worth, self-confidence and determination to never give up.”
The pageant is said to run various programmes such as environmental issues and self-created programmes. For more information, visit their Facebook page “In Her Shoes” or message Gerhardt or Meghan on Facebook. Entries opened on 30 November 2020.
PIERCE VAN HEERDEN
[email protected]
