Cooke’s Miss Teen Universe preparations gather pace

Preparations for Malawi’s representative at Miss Teen Universe 2026, Leonorah Cooke, are gathering pace ahead of the international competition in Cambodia later this month, despite a failed public fundraising campaign for her travel.

Miss Teen Universe Malawi national director Lorraine Kljajic said the K10 million appeal campaign launched to support Cooke’s travel did not raise the targeted amount.

Representing Malawi: Cooke. | Nation

“The campaign was not successful. However, I reached out to some of my few friends in business. They supported the cause. Good Hope Pharmaceuticals for instance supported with K1 million,” she said.

Kljajic said she will personally meet the outstanding cost of Cooke’s ticket and is also planning for the representative to travel to South Africa for training before proceeding to Cambodia.

Cooke and other contestants are expected to arrive in Cambodia on October 19 in readiness for the bootcamp scheduled from October 19 to 24 before the grand finale on October 25.

Kljajic said preparations are currently focusing on ensuring that Cooke’s wardrobe and advocacy project are ready, adding that local designers have also come forward to support her participation.

“For the wardrobe, we are thankful for all that have come on board to make sure that our girl represents Malawi in the best way possible,” she said.

Kljajic said some of the designers are Pearl Designs, Chicha Fashions, Joy and Hope Trends, We Are One, Mot by Annie, Asanie Kika and Lush Xurious who will design Cooke’s outfits for the competition.

Cooke will take to the competition her Light of Hope project which focuses on tackling challenges faced by people living with albinism, including myths and misconceptions.

It will also focus on raising awareness of these issues while also encouraging young girls to pursue opportunities they may consider beyond their reach.

“We felt it is better if she sticks to that and create awareness because this is a big platform where she can highlight the challenges people living with albinism in Malawi face and raise awareness,” she said.

In a Facebook post, Cooke said her Light of Hope project was inspired by her experience of living with albinism and the challenges that come with being perceived as different.

“There was a time when I thought my difference was my weakness. But somewhere along the way, I realised that every little thing that made me feel different could also be the reason to speak so I created Light of Hope,” she said.

Cooke said there are children living with albinism who face bullying and discrimination who deserve love and protection and that gives her a reason to speak up and give them hope.

“If my voice can give one person the courage to believe in themselves, then I know this journey is worth it,” she said.

Currently, Miss Teen Universe is running on-going social media challenges which will form part of the contestants’ performance ahead of the competition.

As such people are expected to vote, like, share and comment on Facebook and Instagram and the overall performance of each contestants will contribute to their selection of and advancement to the Top 20.

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