Shoot Nations project visits Burkina Faso

This was the first time the project has visited a Plan programme country where grassroots development projects take place. Over 85 young people from Ouagadougou took part in the workshop. A slideshow of the event can be found here.

Participants went into the city to take pictures in response to four photographic briefs. The winning shots from the day were focused on child rights and young people increasing their life chances.

The exhibition coincided with an Artistes Unis pour le Rap Africain (AURA) rap concert. Ten thousand people attended to hear famous West African rap stars perform and talk about child rights in the region.

West Africa has a strong history of photo journalism and we were delighted to receive a significant number of entries from the region. The winner of the drawing category of the project was Oumarou Ouedraogo, aged 14, from Burkina Faso. We caught up with Oumarou to ask him about the meaning of, and inspiration for, his drawing.

What inspired you to take part in Shoot Nations 2007?
My passion for drawing. I also wanted to take the opportunity offered through Shoot Nations to express my talent and feelings.

Explain the meaning and subject material of your winning drawing - how does it answer the brief?
My drawing expressed my indignation for the disastrous consequences of the Darfur crisis and the war in Iraq on children. It shows the huge means used to kill in Iraq, while children are imploring His Almighty every day hoping for just a little to survive. Through my drawing, I would like to raise people and the youth¿s awareness so that we all say NO to war!

What was your reaction when you heard you had won a category?
I was wonderfully surprised and proud to learn that my drawing was selected. To know that people paid attention to what I wanted to express makes me feel proud.

Has being a part of Shoot Nations helped you in any way?
To take part in Shoot Nations brings me joy, pride and most of all a lot of courage to draw more and to participate in the world youth sensitisation better.

Read more interviews with Shoot Nations participants from Portugal, South Africa and Ghana

See all entries on the Shoot Nations microsite.