Miss Culture Malawi says the participation of Malawi’s representative at Miss Teen Universe 2026 is at risk if the organisation fails to secure financial support for her trip to Cambodia.
Miss Teen Africa Malawi 2026 Leonorah Cooke is expected to represent the country at the international competition to take place in Cambodia from October 19 to 26 this year.
| Courtesy of Miss Culture Malawi
Lush Africa chief executive officer and organiser of Miss Culture Malawi Lorraine Kljajic said the organisation is appealing for about K10 million, mainly to secure return air tickets from Blantyre to Phnom Penh for Cooke and her chaperone.
“The support is extremely crucial, particularly because international airfare is one of the major expenses and prices can increase as we get closer to October,” she said.
Kljajic said while efforts are underway to ensure Cooke travels, failure to raise sufficient funds could affect her participation at the competition.
“If we are unable to secure sufficient funding, it could put her participation at risk. That is exactly why we have launched this appeal now rather than waiting until the last minute,” she said.
The public fundraising campaign has only started and so far no money has been collected.
However, according to Kljajic, some individuals have started making pledges towards the K10 million target.
Apart from air tickets, the organisation said it will further need support for Cooke’s national costume and wardrobe, visa and travel-related costs, local transportation, communication, makeup, grooming and luggage. However, for now, the priority is on the air tickets.
The organisation has also not yet received financial support from the Malawi Government or the Ministry of Tourism for the trip, but remains open to partnerships as, according to Kljajic, Cooke’s participation provides an opportunity to promote Malawi’s culture, tourism and young talent internationally.
“This is bigger than one queen or one organisation. Cooke will be representing Malawi and we hope Malawians at home and abroad can rally behind her,” she said.
In a separate interview, Cooke said she is currently in the phase of preparing for the competition, including working on her outfits and getting everything in place as well as lobbying for supporting.
“I am really excited about this opportunity and I feel honoured to represent Malawi on such a big international platform,” she said.
She also extended her appeal for support to Malawians, saying collective support could help her make an impact at the international competition.
“I’m looking forward to the support of Malawians throughout this journey. I believe that when we come together and support one another, we can make a huge impact,” she said.
Initially, Shakira Majakwara was selected to represent Malawi at Miss Teen Universe 2026 but will no longer take part after she was unable to obtain the required passport and travel documents in time.
Cooke has since been appointed as Malawi’s new representative at the international pageant.
Miss Teen Universe is an international beauty and leadership pageant designed for young women aged 14 to 19 and focuses on helping teen girls build self-confidence, public speaking, cultural exchange and community service.
