Diébédo Francis Kéré: The first African to win architecture's top award

FRANCIS KÉRÉ
FRANCIS KÉRÉ

Burkino Faso-born architect, Diébédo Francis Kéré, has become the first African to win the prestigious Pritzker Prize, which is often referred to as the Nobel Prize of architecture. His highly esteemed work, including permanent and temporary structures, has been erected in his country of birth, but also across Africa, Europe and the United States.

Mr Kéré, 56, was elated to receive what is considered architecture's most renowned award, describing himself as the "happiest man on the planet".

But his decades-long journey to the top of his field was far from straightforward, with limited opportunities in his village.

Editor's Comment
Depression is real; let's take care of our mental health

It is not uncommon in this part of the world for parents to actually punish their children when they show signs of depression associating it with issues of indiscipline, and as a result, the poor child will be lashed or given some kind of punishment. We have had many suicide cases in the country and sadly some of the cases included children and young adults. We need to start looking into issues of mental health with the seriousness it...

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