Senegalese artist Boubou uses children's handprints for art
Artist Boubou incorporated children's handprints into a painting at Dakar's Amadou Diagne Wore elementary school.
Senegalese artist Boubou transformed a classroom at Dakar's Amadou Diagne Wore elementary school into an art workshop on Saturday, November 7. He led a live painting session for students, teachers, and youth as part of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games. The initiative was supported by ONE Academy, a free platform from ONE Campaign focused on developing African youth leadership and advocacy skills.
Boubou, known for painting portraits upside down and using everyday objects, demonstrated his technique, with close-ups shown on a large screen. He invited students to add their handprints to a canvas bearing the message "THESE HANDS WILL CHANGE THE WORLD," integrating their marks into his artwork. Boubou explained that art gave him freedom to see things differently and that he wanted each child to know their ideas matter and can make a difference.
The activity aimed to raise awareness among young people about their ability to effect change in their communities. Serah Makka, ONE Campaign's Executive Director for Africa, stated that African youth have the energy for change but need resources and knowledge. ONE Academy offers free certified training to Africans aged 18-35 to understand issues, gain advocacy and leadership skills, and apply them in their communities.
Why it mattersChildren in Dakar participated in an art workshop that aimed to empower them with the belief that their ideas and actions can create change.