Lerato encourages young girls
Miss Teen eKasi, Lerato Nogabe, is also the face of aspiring models.
eMBALENHLE – The newly-crowned Miss Teen eKasi said she will help other girls to live up to their dreams during her term.
Lerato Nogabe (16) was crowned Miss Teen eKasi in July at a pageant organised by Umageza Outlet with the aim of raising awareness of teenage pregnancy.
Lerato was honoured to receive the crown and was excited to be afforded the opportunities that come with the crown.
She said winning the pageant helped her to realise and believe that if you really love something and you believe in yourself, you can achieve it.
“I was confident from the word go and I actually knew from the beginning that I was going to win.
“Though the competition was tough because the girls were extremely beautiful, I kept the faith.”
Speaking about challenges that teenage girls are facing, Lerato said teenage pregnancy is the prevalent one.
She said peer pressure is a key factor.
“During adolescence, teenagers often feel pressured to make friends and fit in with their peers.
“Many times we let our friends influence our decision to have sex, even when we do not fully understand the consequences associated with the act. “
Lerato said not all teen pregnancies are intended, some comes after being raped.
She slammed perpetrators who take advantage of teen girls.
Lerato encouraged her peers to believe in their dreams and to know that God is on their side.
She currently does charity work.
