Nando’s gives young artists a canvas to shine

Laone Choeunyane | Friday June 26, 2026 11:13

Dhana Ramasamy, Finance Director of Nando’s Botswana, made the announcement, describing the programme as a groundbreaking addition aimed at discovering talent at the grassroots level.

The youth initiative, themed Botswana at 60: Our Story, Our Future, gives young learners the opportunity to share their personal interpretations of the nation’s journey, heritage, and aspirations through visual art.

“We are proud to announce something new... a youth art initiative for junior secondary schools across Botswana for the first time,” Ramasamy said. “Our young people will also have the opportunity to express their interpretation of Botswana at 60. This initiative is about starting early, unearthing talent at the grassroots level, which we believe will change the students’ lives,” she stated.

The programme seeks to shift perceptions of creativity among young Batswana, reinforcing the idea that art is a viable career path rather than merely a hobby. “It’s about telling a young student somewhere in this country that your creativity matters and there is a future in it, not just a hobby,” she added.

Prizes for the youth competition will include mentorship opportunities with winners from Nando’s main Art Initiative, art supplies, and cash awards. The winning artwork will be specially printed as a limited-edition colouring sheet and distributed nationwide with Nandino’s meals, Nando’s popular kiddies meal, allowing thousands of children to engage with and colour in the winning design.

Additionally, the winning student's school will receive art supplies and host an artist-led workshop, recognising the importance of a supportive environment for young creatives.

Ramasamy emphasised the wider impact: “This not only celebrates the artist, but further works towards showing the potential of art as a career catalyst.”

This youth stream complements the main adult Art Initiative launched under the theme Celebrating Botswana’s Culture and Heritage, creating a full-spectrum approach to arts development, from school level to professional artists.

More details on entry requirements, timelines, and guidelines for the youth art initiative will be released in the coming weeks.

Through this initiative, Nando’s continues to invest in Botswana’s creative future, ensuring that the country’s rich cultural story is told not only by established artists but also by the voices of its youth.