Fresh from her crowning as Mini Miss Global Zimbabwe, nine-year-old Kaleisha Chiyaka has intensified preparations to represent the country at the Kids and Teens Global Pageant set for April 5–10, 2026, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
On day two of preparations, the young model and advocate said the reality of carrying the national flag on a global stage was beginning to sink in.
“It feels unbelievable that I will be representing Zimbabwe,” Kaleisha said.
“I am excited to meet other children from different countries, see other continents and learn about other cultures.”
Chiyaka will compete in the Mini Miss Global category, which typically features contestants aged between nine and 12, and will face competition from around 30 countries, including defending title holder Lin Yang Yang of Cambodia.
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The pageant, organised by Leading Management, runs over six days and five nights and focuses on talent, culture, national costumes and leadership rather than traditional beauty standards.
A polyglot who speaks four languages, Kaleisha balances schoolwork with modelling, singing and gaming, while also using her platform to speak out against bullying linked to height and body image. Reflecting on her journey, she said persistence had been key.
“I faced challenges of people bullying me because of my height and my body, but my teachers encouraged me,” she said.
“I told myself that if another child can do it, I can do it too.”
She earned her national title through a school introduced pageant, a pathway that has increasingly produced young talent in Zimbabwe’s growing kids and teens modelling sector. As preparations continue, Kaleisha said her goal goes beyond competition.
“I want other children in Zimbabwe and Africa to believe in themselves,” she said, “and to know that their dreams are possible.”
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