- Levana Primary School hosted the Mr and Miss Self-Esteem Pageant to help build self-confidence and self-love among its learners.
- Participants from grades 2 to 7 showcased their talents in various categories, with winners receiving prizes.
- Organisers highlighted the importance of such events in fostering self-esteem and providing positive role models for children affected by gang violence and poverty.
A pageant created to build self-confidence in children had Levana Primary School learners in Lavender Hill put their best foot forward as they learned self-love in the Mr and Miss Self-Esteem Pageant on Saturday 20 July.
The pageant was open to learners from Grade 2 up to Grade 7. They participated in the casual and evening wear categories, Mr and Miss Personality as well as Mr and Miss Photogenic.
Community activist and co-organiser Clive Jacobs expressed why he felt it was important to build self-confidence in young children.
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“Some of the children, when questioned, did not even know what self-esteem meant,” he shared. “By the time learners are in Grades 6 and 7, they should know that self-esteem is something that can take you very far in life, but unfortunately our children lack confidence.”
According to Jacobs, gang violence and poverty rob children of their self-esteem early in life. “I think our communities are the downfall of our children because of gang violence,” he said. “If schools have beauty pageants I think our children can greatly benefit from it,” said Jacobs.
Each winner walked away with a grocery hamper worth R500, while other prizes included bath fragrances and storage containers.
Fabian Richter, choreographer and co-organiser of the event, said it was exciting to see how learners’ self-confidence grew throughout the rehearsals.
“During rehearsals, I was blown away because the children went from zero to hero in terms of confidence,” he said. “The effort they put in and the fact that they showed up and took time for self-care to look amazing, was moving.”
Example for children
Richter added that the pageant helps shape the idea of what a good role-model should be.
“It was an amazing opportunity where they could think and understand about their worth knowing that gang members are not role models,” he said. “Taking part in events like this where they can build their self-esteem and also become more self-aware.”
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He added that it was important for communities to stand together by setting an example for young children.
“Building self-confidence in young children is fundamental, but the sad part is that we have a lack of fathers to guide kids in our community and that is how children are drawn into gangsterism from an early age,” said Richter. “If everyone can just play their part in the community, we will have a better future and children who see their true worth.”
Meanwhile, co-organiser Ralph Bouwers said it was time for communities and organisations to invest in their children.
“Part of this pageant is where the children also have to give of their time,” he said.
“The hope is that the world out there will see the concept where winners are made conscious of paying it forward and the pageant king and queens give a helping hand at soup kitchens and community outreaches to teach them how to be part of a positive society.”
