The inauguration of the fifth edition of the Artistic Sharing Festival for Youth (PAJE) took place on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at the Théâtre Soleil in Ouagadougou. This festival, dedicated to children, aims to enhance the professional live performance sector among the youth and serves as a platform for artistic awakening and education for children.
During the opening night, children enjoyed a variety of performances, including singing, dancing, and watching jugglers delight the audience. The PAJE festival is set to run until November 9, 2025, featuring around 100 artists who will create, perform, and handle technical aspects of the festival. This year, the majority of the shows will showcase creations by Burkinabé artists.
“We will have outdoor performances, as well as morning shows where children will attend performances at the theatre. They will have the opportunity to interact with their teachers, as today’s educators play a crucial role in helping children grow into the adults of tomorrow,” said Thierry Oueda, the festival director and head of Théâtre Soleil.
Oueda emphasized the importance of the arts in fostering children’s creative development, stating that, “Children deserve to experience emotions. When we prepare them culturally, they can grow into decision-makers in adulthood, considering their own culture and working to support artists. If children become cultural consumers, it is beneficial for Burkina Faso. Should they later become entrepreneurs, they could employ artists or develop cultural projects. Thus, it is in our interest to help children cultivate their critical thinking, experience emotions, and share something meaningful with their peers.”
The initiative has garnered positive support from the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Employment. Representative Modeste Kaboré remarked, “Theatre is not a luxury but a necessity. Based on the performances we have witnessed, I believe this will greatly enhance children’s creative spirits. We live in a world where continually developing one’s abilities is essential, and theatre serves to inspire and fully cultivate those abilities in children.”
Théâtre Soleil, located in the Cissin neighborhood of Ouagadougou, provides a professional space for artists, industry professionals, and audiences eager to promote works aimed at children and youth.
This festival not only highlights the importance of cultural engagement for children but also serves as a beacon for artistic expression in Burkina Faso, fostering a vibrant community that values creativity and emotional development in its youngest members.