The theme for this year’s Creole Heritage Month is “Kweyol Se’Fos Nou,” (Creole is our strength) and one school went full force in highlighting the power of the Kweyol language and it various cultural facets.
The Vieux Fort Comprehensive Secondary School held several activities to inculcate a sense of pride for the Kweyol language and Saint Lucia’s culture by hosting a number of activities over the past several weeks.
Among the undertakings was Creole singing competition and a “Pli Bel Plas Kweyol”, where students came up with creative concepts to decorate their classrooms and school spaces.
The activity, school organisers said, was intended to celebrate Creole Heritage while fostering creativity, cultural awareness, artistic expression and teamwork. This event saw the collaboration among students, staff and parents.
Last Friday, a day when schools across the island engaged students in various Kweyol related events, the VFCSS held a grand Jennes Kweyol Pageant.
The event featured six contestants; Quaianna Smith of Class 4-1 sponsored by Seamoss Central, Janai Taylor of Class 1-2 sponsored by Wizo Ltd, Timatania Celestin of class 5-3 sponsored by Vieux Fort Business Community, Nazia Blanchard of class 5-3 sponsored by Saint Lucia Woodworking, Nazri Bondiemaitre class 1-3 sponsored by Jannou Credit Union and Amelia Labadie of class 5-2 sponsored by Edmund Tours.
The contestants showcased their Kweyol heritage with their various talents, creative wear and kweyol gowns all the while wowing the audience. The interview segment closed off the competition.
In the end, the results were as follows:
2nd Runner up, Nazia Blanchard – Ms. Saint Lu Woodworking, 1st Runner up, Quaianna Smith – Ms. Seamoss Central and the winner of the VFCSS Jennès Kwèyòl 2024, Nazri Bondiemaitre – Ms. Jannou Credit Union Ltd.
The best creative wear award went to Quaianna Smith and Amelia Labadie, best performing talent, Nazri Bondiemaitre, best creole gown, Timatania Celestin and best interview Nazri Bondiemaitre.
Other awards included Ms Photogenic, Quaianna Smith and People’s Choice, Nazri Bondiemaitre.
PHOTO: Miss VFCSS Jennès Kwèyòl 2024, Nazri Bondiemaitre with a representative of her sponsor Jannou Credit Union Ltd.