By Koviao Matuzee
According to 23-year-old Linda Haufifiku, the founder of the Miss Teen Okahandja Beauty Pageant, the future of the franchise extends far beyond crowns, sashes and the runway.
Her vision is to transform the platform into a long-term vehicle for youth empowerment by expanding skills development programs, establishing a scholarship fund and creating stronger partnerships that prepare young women for leadership and service.
Haufifiku, a nurse by profession and a self-taught model, launched Miss Teen Okahandja in 2022 aftfter recognizing a gap in opportunities for young women in the town.
“Modelling taught me a lot about confidence, and as a youth advocate, I started this platform in 2022 to give young women tools for leadership, education and community service,” Haufiku said.
She further explained that the franchise was born from a desire to create more than a traditional beauty pageant.
“In 2022 I saw talented young girls in Okahandja with so much potential but very few platforms. I and community outreach initiatives.
“The crown is for one night, but the skills, confifidence and network they gain stay with them for life,” she added. Participants are equipped with a range of practical skills, including communication, time management, discipline, fifinancial literacy, etiquette, and self-care.
Drawing from her experience as a healthcare professional, Haufifiku, also incorporates lessons on health awareness, healthy decision-making, and responsible social media use.
Confidence and leadership are cultivated through practical experiences such as community projects, mock interviews, and mentorship opportunities.
“I remind them that leadership starts with serving others,” Haufiku said.
The franchise works closely with schools and local organizations on clean-up campaigns, health awareness activities and school support initiatives, encouraging contestants to become active contributors to their communities.
Haufiku hopes that every participant leaves the programme with values such as integrity, discipline, compassion, and self-belief.
“Beauty fades, but values stay. I want them to leave knowing they have a voice and a responsibility to use it well,” she said.
Education remains central to the initiative, with contestants expected to remain in school or pursue further studies. Goal-setting sessions and career guidance are also provided to support their personal growth.
Her own modelling journey heavily influenced the development of the initiative.
“Modelling taught me discipline and confidence. As a self-taught model, I also saw the gaps in mentorship. I wanted to build the kind of platform I wish I had when I started,” she said.
She uses lessons from her career to teach young women professionalism, resilience, humility, emotional intelligence and the importance of character.
“Beauty may open the door, but character and discipline keep it open.”
One of the program’s success stories includes a 2025 contestant who entered her first pageant through Miss Teen Okahandja, won the Miss
Personality title and placed in the top three for Best Interview Answer before continuing to compete in other pageants.
“My goal is to expand our skills workshops, start a scholarship fund and build more partnerships in Okahandja. My goal is to make Miss Teen Okahandja a pipeline for future women leaders who serve with integrity and compassion.”
As Miss Teen Okahandja continges to grow, Haufiku hopes the platform will remain a safe space where young women can develop confidence, overcome challenges such as low self-esteem and limited opportunities, and discover their potential to lead and uplift others.
