MISS TOURISM TESO HERITAGE SPEAKS ABOUT HER JOURNEY TO THE CROWN

The Road to the Crown

Tino Had a Strong Foundation.

Tino Catherine was born in the village of Tilling-Gawa in Ngora District, Teso Region, Eastern Uganda, to parents who are both native to Ngora District; her mother relocated from Kadok Village when she married her father in Tilling Village.

“My parents’ biggest influence on me is that they have always encouraged me to do things that I feel are important and can elevate my life. They advise me on what to do.”

She answered the Call of Duty,

Her decision was made as early as senior two, almost ten years ago, that she would become a person of great significance, who every woman and girl child would look up to. “I grew up in a broken family; my mother remained standing as the head in a society where women were underrated.” She says, adding, “I wasn't particularly clear what path I would choose to do this, or that it would specifically be a beauty pageant, but when I saw the audition call for Miss Tourisim Teso 2021, I felt that it would be the perfect platform for me to achieve my long awaited dream.”

Watch Tino's introduction video

She wanted to do it because she felt strongly that she needed to be a point of positive impact to the women and young generation, both boys and girls, in her society, and when she told her family and friends, they were very helpful, in terms of voting and emotional support. But not everyone was on the same page.  “As a Christian, church members told me beauty peagants are not for ‘born-agains’".  Other people also said that the process is expensive, since it needed use of personal finances.

Overcame her Biggest Fears,

Like many others before her, and many who will come after, the road to the runway was paved with struggles.

“The biggest struggle I have overcome is the belief that am not enough, which prevented me from engaging in opportunities, because I thought I wouldn't manage when it comes to fundamentals.”

And, against all Odds,

And not only that, she receives negative talk from others as well, “Most people look at me and automatically underestimate me, they feel am too young to be where I am today. I wish they would assume that am capable enough to be an inspiration to others. All that matters is determination. They underestimate me when it comes to leadership. My small body, age and humble nature makes them think am too soft for the position, however, I consider myself an extrovert; I socialise very freely with all classes of people and am open-minded. I honestly don't think there is anything I would want to change about myself. I believe I am perfectly made by God in physical, mental and emotional state. I’m fine the way I am”

She Reached for Her Star

But like all champions, she braced herself and, remembering her parents’ advice, went for what she truly believed in. And she got it:

“I am proud of accomplishing my dream of being a leader, not just a leader but a woman inspiration, a person someone can see their vision through. I am proud of attaining the crown of

MISS TOURISM TESO HERITAGE 2021/2022

which has given me a platform for my wildest dreams to come true.”

But that’s not all this title holder has accomplished. At 22 years old, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and is currently a teacher of Geography in secondary school, a career she believes will easily help her to positively influence the younger generation. Her main message to all of us is,

“It’s you who has to get yourself to where you want to be and no one else, I wish I knew this while I was younger."

The Dream Lives On…

“If I was given 15 million, I would start up a project that help positively impacts people's lives. For example, a reusable sanitary pad project that would help to supply sanitary pads to girl children. I would also teach Health Education to both boy and girl children, help the youth stay in school and avoid early marriages, as well as provide employment opportunities to people, including getting training and help on reproductive health.”

Tino is way on her way to fulfilling the original dream she has had for ten years, as a motivational speaker, and creator of reusable sanitary towels, as part of her plan to keep girls in school.

 Watch her here

Culturally Speaking

Tino lets the world into her traditional culture and heritage, of which she is very proud.

    Dance

The most interesting aspect of ITESO CULTURE are the traditional dances. They include Akogo dance, Ajosi dance, Etida dance, and Ekiriakiria dance. These dances are each performed at specific occasions.

   Dressing

The piece of traditional wear in my culture has been phased out by modernity. And if given an opportunity I would work to bringing it back. This is because on the side of the women it clearly carries a lot of characteristics that portray womanhood. And on the men side, it potrays strength, power among other manly attributes.

“I wish the whole world would adopt the Iteso traditional dressing right away. And if I was in charge of implementing it, I would include the Kardashians family to wear and show case it. Most people in the world always adopt attires from the Kardashians, so I believe they would easily influence the whole world to adopt it.”

   Food

Another  food preparation recipe

The simplest meal from Teso that anyone can cook is "emangor" Emangor is simply a mixture of boiled mashed sweet potatoes and black-eyed peas. And Tino has blessed us with the recipe:

Ingredients:

Sweet potatoes

Black eyed peas

Water

Total duration: 45 minutes

Preparation:

Step1- boil black eye peas in plain water untill it's soft.

Step 2- Peel sweet potatoes.

Step3- boil the sweet potatoes untill they are soft.

Step4- pour the boiled black eyed peas into the boiled sweet potatoes.

Step5- mash the mixture with a mingling stick and it's ready to serve.

Language

“If I was given an opportunity to teach Ateso language to a foreigner, I would first teach them how to greet, mention their names and ask for directions.” Tino says.

And so, for the basics:

Hello - Yoga

How are you? - Biabo Jo?

My name is - Ekakiror erai