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Youth Interactive Writer

It was an early Christmas gift for most Harare children last weekend as founder members and organisers for popular shop “Kids and Teen Hub” hosted a pageant searching for brand ambassadors. 

Situated at Longchen Mall in Harare, the shop which focuses on fashion and style for teens and toddlers saw more than 150 children taking part at the pageant.

The fashion show owner, Minnie Baloyi, headed the judging panel which comprised of reputable models in the industry, including reigning Miss Zimbabwe Queen Charlotte Muziri.

It was fun galore as children from the age of three to 16 modelled, strutting their catwalk and posed while vying for the coveted title to be the brand ambassador for the shop.

Already, the crowd had their favourites, while the children being young sometimes had confusion on the ramp, which was also allowed as part of the script, because they are children.

Some could dance while others could smile, but besides that everyone was a winner, there were some who deserved the crown.

One of the winners Munashe Chiku (8 years old) poses with his cheque

In an interview, Minnie Baloyi, who was excited about the initiative, said she saw the need to promote and groom children from a tender age.

“It was fun and exciting. We received about 150 registrations and short-listed to 88 candidates who then took part in the contest,” she said.

She said for the clothing shop, they used to focus on adults.

“Initially we concentrated on our adult range Style by Minnie clients kept on asking for kids and teen range. We decided to respond to that market,” she said.

Commenting about the competition, she said it was for a noble cause.

“We wanted to give back to the community, to give a chance to the professional and non- professional models to be brand ambassadors of our brand from various backgrounds and to build confidence, give hope to children and give them a purpose,” explained Baloyi.

The winners were as follows in the 3-7 years category (girls), the Face of Kids & Teen Hub (Brand Ambassador) was Tehillah Marasha, while first runners up went to Akatendeka Chibika.  Second runners up went to Tanisha Karombe.

In the boys category the Face of Kids & Teen Hub (Brand Ambassador) went to Delroy Siketa while Hayifan Na was voted first runners up and Munashe Chiku came second. 

For the 8-12 years category, girls, the Face of Kids & Teen Hub (Brand Ambassador) went to Rutendo Maisva. First runner up was Thandekile Langa Nxumalo and second place was Kupakwashe Chibika and Mitchell Chironga. Zibusiso Zane Gatsha for the boys scooped the Face of Kids & Teen Hub (Brand Ambassador) while Liem Mantosi Dube was the first runners up and second runners up went to Zwirashe Zaya.

In the 13-17 years category for girls the Face of Kids & Teen Hub (Brand Ambassador) was won by Alicia Natalie Thomas, first runners up Tariro Maryann Ruddo and second runners up went to Leona Mudonhi.

The Face of Kids & Teen Hub (Brand Ambassador) for boys was Hillton Kufahakurambwi, while Nyasha Kurwaisimba was crowned first runners up and second place went to Abel Mugari. All winners received clothing vouchers valued between US$200 to US$1 500.