Talent gets 9-year-old Kenyan artist hosted by President Museveni

Many at times as parents especially in the African setting, we tend to disregard our children’s talents in favour of peak academic performance. We invest heavily in text books, time and school fees in order for our children to get the best education.

When our children start tinkering with artefacts, we immediately stop them and channel back their energies and attention towards academics. Whilst academics play an important role in shaping our children, talent is also worth investing in.

If talent is anything to go by then Sheila Sheldone is a living proof that indeed talent is worth investing in. Together with her mother, the nine- year old was hosted by Uganda’s president Yoweri Museveni during the Easter weekend.

This was after she gifted the Head of State one of her master pieces when he visited Kenya on official duties. President Museveni was deeply impressed with the painting and asked her if she had any special request to make.

Source; Standard

Sheila humbly requested him to host her together with her mother at State House, a request which the Ugandan president has fulfilled.

“My muzukulu from Mombasa, Sheila Sheldone Charles, visited me in Rwakitura with her mother as we agreed she would, when I met her during my recent state visit to Kenya,” the President tweeted.

“Talent of whatever form should be nurtured alongside formal education. I thank her for the gifts she brought me,” he added.

Source: Standard

Sheila plans to build an art centre in future and appeals to talented children to embrace education, be humble, respect their parents and the elders to guarantee a prosperous future.

Her work has continued to gain fame both locally and internationally despite her tender age.

In 2018, she received the Tese Foundation, Youngest Lioness Award for her artistic prowess that continues to catch the attention of art enthusiasts globally.

Some of the portraits of popular persons she worked on include former US President Barack Obama, human rights activist Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela and Oprah Winfrey