Forced to cancel the Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Pageant (MGTSP) owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Imperial House has announced the launch of what it calls a digital university for this year’s participants.
The MGTSP had been expected to commence in June and end with the coronation on September 12. But the organization said in a press release that recognizing the impact the novel coronavirus is having on Guyana and the world at large, it took responsibility to contribute to flattening the curve through the cancellation of the second pageant, which made its debut last year, thereby protecting this year’s candidates.
“In keeping with our mandate to educate and empower our nation’s youth,” the Imperial House said in its release, it “decided to rework the 2020 Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship Programme into a digital university for qualifying young women. Successful candidates of the 2020 programme will receive 15 online sessions in three modules: On self-awareness and value, Professionalism and Etiquette, and Human Rights and Social Development.
“Each session will be assessed through online interviews, oral reports, assignments, or essays. The candidate with the highest grade will be awarded a $75,000 grant, of which 20% must be dedicated towards a charity or social programme of her choice; one that preferably aids in the health response of the COVID-19 pandemic, food and essential supplies for vulnerable groups, or education support for children.”
Those who choose to participate in the online sessions will be granted automatic placement in next year’s pageant, allowing them the opportunity to win the 2021 MGTSP crown and a $400,000 scholarship award.
In September last year, Devya Singh was crowned the first ever Miss Guyana Teen Scholarship queen. She was among 17 other contestants who graced the stage and after swift elimination she was among the 10 remaining finalists.
Her winning answer saw cheers from the audience at the National Cultural Centre where the affair was hosted, who instantly knew before it was even announced that Devya had won the crown with her answer despite stiff competition from the other finalists.
Though her reign ends this September, she along with runners-up Naheeryah Newland and Christel Mangra will collectively take on leadership and carry out their duties, including coordinating activities, humanitarian work and public engagements once the pandemic is over.
Those wishing to be part of this year’s online programme can go to the Imperial House’s Facebook or Instagram pages for registration and further details. The programme is scheduled to begin in July and end on August 28. Applications open on June 1.
