The Folk Research Centre (FRC), on Tuesday, launched a cultural education program .

The program is one of the activities planned for Kwéyòl Heritage Month.

FRC’s Executive Director, Hilary La Force, said the program enables students to understand and appreciate their cultural heritage.

“We run a program for the entire month of October where we bring in schools from all over the island, usually primary schools. They apply to come to the FRC and we instruct them on the culture of the country as it relates to dance, music, the history of Saint Lucia, various cultural icons, their contributions to the country's economy and the importance of culture.”

Curriculum Specialist for Music, Jason Joseph, is one of the many instructors. His focus is on the development of music and culture in Saint Lucia.

“I will speak about the importance of music in our society. It can be found practically in all aspects of society, in our celebrations, in our relaxation activities. I will also be looking at how culture affects the music that we produce and how the music we produce affects our culture.”

The program addresses the arts, history and culture as well as traditional art forms such as the masquerade. It has existed for well over six years.