Ouagadougou: Fifteen children aged 6 to 17 took part, from August 18 to 24, 2026, in Zorgho, in a training session in drawing and painting, organized as part of the ‘Useful Brush’ project, initiated by teacher and painter Augustin Kabor. The closing ceremony was attended by the students’ parents.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the session was initially planned for ten children but ultimately welcomed 15 participants due to demand, as noted by Mr. Kabor. Over the course of seven days, the students were introduced to the various stages of artistic creation, from drawing to painting. “In short, there are three phases: working on the canvas, on paper with pencils, and on the canvas with paint,” explained Augustin Kabor.
The activities focused on the theme of the environment, with children creating village landscapes, trees, canaries, gourds, huts, and more. The initiative also aimed to raise their awareness of planting and protecting trees. For the promoter, drawing is a way to develop creativity, concentration, and the ability to imagine and create objects. He believes that these skills can also be useful in other trades, particularly carpentry, masonry, and welding.
The “Useful Brush” project was launched in 2019, and the 2026 session marks its fourth edition. According to Augustin Kabor, the initiative faces several challenges, including insufficient equipment and qualified professionals to supervise the children, as well as a lack of suitable space. Parental availability to accompany the children and the choice of holiday dates are also among the constraints.
Parent Charles Auguste Korsaga praised the session’s achievements, noting that his three participating children had developed their concentration and interest in drawing. He encouraged other parents to enroll their children in the project. The parent of learner Sadou Band observed changes in his child, particularly in oral expression and the reproduction at home of the exercises learned during the sessions.
The promoter invited parents to accompany their children in artistic practice, emphasizing that the goal is not necessarily to make them into painters, but to develop their ability to work with their hands and their imagination. The closing ceremony was marked by the presentation of the works created by the students to their parents. For holiday sessions, “Utile Pinceau” welcomes children aged 6 to 17, and sessions for adults are also organized.