Antonio Aragón Renuncio, Spain

The African country of Burkina Faso has always been poor yet rather peaceful. This has changed since terror groups started to attack the country’s institutions, including schools that teach the French language that is so hated by the extremists. As a result, around 1,000 schools have already had to close, affecting 150,000 girls and boys and countless teachers. A dramatic situation, barely noticed by the global community.

Spanish photographer Antonio Aragón Renuncio has stumbled across an even less well known issue: children who have themselves organized substitute lessons that are conducted in secret, partially at home and partially in school ruins or abandoned schools. It might not be an educational program leading to recognized qualifications, but it is an inspiring act of crisis management and self-confidence.

Curriculum Vitae: Antonio Aragón Renuncio, Spain (Freelance Photographer)

Antonio Aragón Renuncio was last year’s winner of the UNICEF Photo of the Year and was awarded Third Prize this year. The jury was so convinced by the quality of this second photo series that they did not shy away from honoring him again this year. Renuncio currently lives in Nicaragua. The number of his awards, lectures and exhibitions is constantly increasing.