Youthful Spirits

Sarfo Emmanuel, Ghana

“Youthful Spirits” is a photography series that captures the lives, dreams, and resilience of African children, especially young girls. Through powerful portraits, it explores themes of unity, identity, and social inequality, using a continuous rope as a visual metaphor. This line connects the children, symbolizing shared humanity, community, and relationships, while also representing the constraints they may face. The series challenges stereotypes, celebrates African beauty and spirit, and aims to inspire global empathy by portraying youth not just as subjects, but as symbols of hope and a more equitable future.

Discover more: Shortlist 2025