March 20, 2023, marks the observance of International Francophonie Day. Saint Lucia will join regional counterparts Dominica and Haiti and the wider Francophonie community in the celebration of our French linguistic and cultural heritage. This year’s observances will be held under the theme “La culture au Cœur du Projet Francophone” to highlight and celebrate our rich cultural heritage and the wide diversity of cultural expressions within the Francophonie Community.
The Office of the National Correspondent for the Francophonie and Francophonie partners, the French Embassy in Saint Lucia, the Embassy of Morocco, the Canadian High Commission for Barbados and the OECS, the Alliance Française de Sainte Lucie, The French Teachers Association, the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College and Chanté Kwéyòl, have put together a rich and exciting programme of activities targeting schools and the general public.
The celebration seeks to raise greater awareness among students and the general public on the role of the Organisation International de la Francophonie (OIF) and Saint Lucia’s place within the Francophonie community. The observance also provides an opportunity to encourage and promote the acquisition of French language skills among our students and advocate for policies in favor of multilinguism in Saint Lucia.
The National Committee for the Francophonie unveiled the programme of activities at a ceremony held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at the NTN studios, Pointe Seraphine, Castries. Presentations were made by Ms. Marcia Symphorien, National Correspondent for the Francophonie; Mr. Leonard Robinson, Curriculum Officer for Modern Languages, Ministry of Education; Ms. Fany Bergerin, Pedagogic Coordinator at the Alliance Française de Sainte Lucie and Ms. Caron Tobierre of Chanté Kwéyòl. Also present were Ms. Lucienne Larive of the French Embassy to the OECS, Ms. Louïse Rabault, Cultural Coordinator at the Alliance Française de Sainte Lucie and the staff of the National Commission.
The programme of activities will run throughout the month of March and will culminate in a grand prize giving ceremony and cultural showcase on March 30, 2023 at the National Cultural Centre.
The National Committee for the Francophonie invites all Saint Lucians to join in the celebration of Francophonie Day 2023. For information on the various activities please contact the Office of the National Correspondent for the Francophonie at telephone 4685275/3/2 or the Alliance Française at 4526602.