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Youth Interactive Writer

At 14, the boy’s creativity has made him a darling of many in school.

His imagination is way beyond his age.

So creative is the boy that his parents have decided to empower him in any way possible.

This is encouraging since most parents/guardians do not take art seriously.

During holidays, he sharpens his skills under the mentorship of one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished visual artists, Raphael Jamu of Hillock Arts Foundation.

His ability to convey ideas and information through painting is quite encouraging.

This little flower is none other than Delight Tangai, a brilliant learner from Watershed College.

Sharing his journey and understanding of the subject, Delight exuded confidence.

“My name is Delight Tangai and I’m 14 years old. I go to Watershed College in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province.

“Art is something that you see and admire or some people might say art is life,” said the intelligent boy.

Like any other minor pursuing a dream, Delight was proud of his supporting systems.

He acknowledged important people in his life who have been there for him from day one.

“My family helped me to take a step towards my dreams for art.

“Dr Raphael Jamu is also teaching me art. Currently, he has shown me the way of living as an artist when I grow up.

“When I grow up, I want to be a sketch artist,” said the young learner.

The boldness he showed in his preferred career after school is hard to take for some parents.

The major challenge we have in Zimbabwe is that most people do not appreciate art. A change of mindset is needed for people to appreciate the value of art.

Like his mentor Jamu, Delight has also learnt from the right template.

Delight is also comfortable in drawing portraits of iconic figures.

This should challenge other young creatives who are not familiar with some of the icons of our time.

“The art I specialise in encompasses drawing portraits of famous people and cartoon characters.

“It has inspired me to become a better person in my own way,” said Delight.

A focused and determined Delight is dreaming big as an ambitious boy.

Although he comes from a well-to-do family, Delight’s heart bleeds for the less privileged.

His dream is to succeed in life and support others to realise their potential.

“My dream is to have a bright future and to support the needy,” he said.

His mentor and instructor, Jamu, described Delight as a passionate student. “When I first met the boy, I was stunned by his level of intelligence.

“His passion for art is amazing for someone of his age.

“I will do my best to assist him so that he realises his potential.  The boy is just good at art,” he said.

Jamu, who was entrusted by Delight’s parents to help the boy, says he enjoys working with children.

“Children are fasting learners and they grasp concepts quicker than adults.

“I make sure that I empower them in the best way possible because they believe in me.

“In the case of Delight, we have a brilliant youngster who should be assisted to realise his dream,” he added.

“As his name suggests, Delight is one such a little genius who is tipped to make his parents proud academically and artistically.