MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL BOTSWANA ADVOCATES FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

MISTER AFRICA INTERNATIONAL BOTSWANA ADVOCATES FOR HEALTHCARE SERVICES ACCESSIBILITY FOR ALL

It’s count down to Mister Africa International 2021 and preparations are underway as all African are gearing up for the annual event. Botswana is among the countries taking part in the event and it’s prominently known for dominating International modelling platforms.This year their representative, Edison Diako, shares to us why his charity project is focused on accessing healthcare services for all.

Q: From runway to pageant, why did you think of taking part in this pageant?
A: It was always bound to happen. Our industry, especially in Botswana, is so much at infancy that we often see models juggling between runway and pageantry. Mr Africa International holds a possibility to propel my career in many unfathomable ways. It will also amplify my voice as a human right advocate. I also truly believe I possess the qualities to wear this crown.

Q:What will it mean to you and the Botswana’s modelling industry if you get coronated as the winner?
A: The ongoing covid-19 pandemic has negatively impacted our economy as a country, in particular the imaginative art industries. As a country, Botswana possesses magical raw talent, and our strength is unity. A win for one is a win for all. This much was truth when Kaone Kario won Nokia Face of Africa, and when Emma Wareus placed as first princess at Miss World. Winning Mr Africa International title will shine the spotlight on our creative space, ultimately expanding our talent hub. We deserve world recognition, not only for our diamonds but a testament of the many more other diamonds we continue to unearth in the country. Winning Mister Africa affords a chance to advance Brand Botswana and sell it to other African states.

Q:Judging by looking at other candidates, what’s your take on them ?
A:I am terrified out of my wits. The crown belongs to any of those gentlemen. Whose it going to be? We are all working hard to be that one ambassador who will champion Mr Africa International projects for the next year. We are massively gifted and uniquely abled. Each one of us possess a great quality that will substantially benefit Africa. It’d be a great mistake to underestimate the work these gents are putting behind the scenes. I can’t wait to battle it out, I’m really looking forward to coronation night.

Q:What Charity programme have you covered as Mister Africa International Botswana?
A: Our project is called: ‘Building a kingdom, during the HIV & Covid-19 pandemics. It seeks to address emerging issues surfacing during health during the ongoing health crisis. We aim to remove legal and human rights related barriers hindering people from accessing healthcare services particularly in Ngamiland. We also use community based monitoring systems to hold the health management teams accountable and deliver on agreed specifics. This is achieved through education awareness, community outreaches, legal literacy and consultative stakeholder engagements. We are hopeful, that we will be able to immensely contribute towards the reshaping of HIV & covid-19 landscape in Botswana and the entire African continent.

Q:What else have you been up to ?
A:Other than that project, we have been trying to get in shape. We are sharpening our runway etiquettes and trying to get sponsors on board as we hastily approach ahead Mister Africa International stage. There’s so much to do in very little time. Mental health is such an integral part of any preparation and we are just building up the right mindset going into the competition.

Q:Besides winning what are you hoping to gain from the pageant?
A: I hope to gain a great wealth of wisdom from interacting with those gentlemen. These are figures that come from diverse cultures, backgrounds with amazing experiences and different thought processes. I know I’ll have gained a family, one truly that is vested on advancing our creative spaces, for us, today, and for future generations to come.

Q:What are you hoping to see in Ivory Coast when given time to tour the country?
A:I want to see the people, the culture, the food, the resilence and how and what the people make of themselves. As an advocate you never really separate yourself from communities. You truly want to belong and be a better of. Listen to people’s complaints and respond accordingly. I mean if there’s anything you can do to advance the lives of the people, then why not do it?

Q: In your modelling pageant Industry career, which pageants have you participated in?
A: I haven’t really done much last year because of the ongoing crisis. However, I have catwalked the
Mascom Fashion Derby stage, Fashion Without Borders and Mpumalanga Fashion Show in South Africa to name but a few. Now, we are headed towards the big stage.