The Cultural Development Foundation (CDF) on July 8, 2025 presented outstanding performers of the 2025 Junior Calypso and Soca Monarch full scholarships to its flagship Youth Summer Arts Platform (YSAP)—a programme supporting youth aged 7–17 in disciplines like music, drama, dance, visual arts, creative writing and cultural traditions.
Now in its 22nd year, YSAP is held every July to August in various districts across the island. The programme features workshops in cultural dance, steel pan drumming, costume design, public speaking and graphic design. This year, the Youth Summer Arts Platform will be held in both the Northern and Southern districts of the island to facilitate greater reach among the nation’s youth.
Tracy Dolcy, Director of Training, Promotion and Development at CDF noted that “YSAP is the perfect opportunity for [participants] to enhance [their] craft” with similar sentiments echoed by Ms Schenelle Leonce, the Chief Planning Officer, Department of Education, Innovation & Vocational Training – YSAP facilitates the “nurturing of burning talents and enhances youth skills as future artists and cultural practitioners”. These and other remarks given during the ceremony reaffirm the Foundation’s mission to deepen young people’s cultural roots and creative skills through a well‑structured curriculum.
Scholarship recipients – Alex Pinel, Khloé Joseph, Milan Armstrong, Zanye Laurencin, Milan Dante Armstrong, Kenyan Osman, Jheanne Divine LeCompte and Zalaya Fannis – will benefit from full tuition and materials, regional access through both northern and southern centres, mentorship from seasoned artists and participation in a public showcase at programme’s end. This move aligns CDF’s arts education objectives of bolstering youth capacity in cultural industries, encouraging creative exploration, and strengthening community ties.
Anticipation made itself evident on the faces of the scholarship recipients throughout the presentation ceremony who will on August 23, 2025 stage their final performance at the National Cultural Center.
The scholarship presentation comes just days before another display of youth artistry, Junior Carnival, along the William Peter Blvd for Junior Carnival scheduled for Sunday, July 13, 2025, yet another showcase of St. Lucia’s culture and national efforts towards creative innovation.