WHEN Emily Matlanyane was crowned Miss Teen Lesotho 2022 last Saturday, she made it her mission to use her new portfolio to address the day-to-day challenges faced by local teenagers.

The 14-year-old Khubetsoana-born beauty queen who is a Form C learner at New Millennium High School in Maseru says she entered the popular pageant to show the world that there is more to the competition than just good looks and elegance.

“It is equally important for me to achieve my goals through helping other young girls, to develop them socially, academically, and otherwise. Some of them have low self-esteem and they need to be helped out of that serious setback,” said Matlanyane in an interview with Public Eye.

“Everybody needs to be encouraged to follow their dreams, no matter the situation of their lives.”

Matlanyane added: “It was such a great honour to win the crown, the experience was very intriguing though it was quite a rocky road.”

The new Miss Teen Lesotho is currently waiting for funds from sponsors before she commences her responsibilities.

Matlanyane took the title from Miss Teen Lesotho 2021, Keneuoe Talanyane.

“My responsibilities are numerous, I am mandated to among others raise awareness, raise funds for charity, help and serve my community, participate in charity activities, volunteer in non-profit-making organisations, request charitable donations, and start a fundraising event,” Matlanyane said.

The First Princess is Limpho Semoli who also clinched the “Teen with a Heart and Purpose” award, while Nthabiseng Lebona is the Second Princess.

Another participant, Halieo Papashane won the Elegant Queen award, while Glodia Lephoto walked away with the African Queen award and Tankiso Motseki won the People’s Princess award.

Miss Teen Lesotho National Director, Realeboha Phori, said even though sponsors pulled out at the 11th hour, however, all went well.

“Our amazing audience was able to connect with the contestants and enjoy every routine we prepared. We are confident that everybody enjoyed the show.”

Phori added: “The motivation and passion of the finalists were on another level. The contestants were able to give it their all in spite of the many holdups encountered, including potential sponsors and artists who pulled out of the show at the last minute.”

The aim of the event, she said, is to advocate and raise awareness of teens’ mental health issues in the digital era.