The first set of applicants that scaled the keenly contested audition stages of the Stella Damasus Arts Foundation (SDAF), will begin a free three-month training on Monday.

The 43 students, who were selected based on their audition performance, will receive intensive training from volunteer professionals in drama, singing and fine arts.

In a bid to give back to the society and help Nigerian youths discover their potential, Stella, under the auspices of SDAF, had held a three-day audition at Zamunda, Ologun Agbaje Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the multiple award-winning actress, the free programme will train and equip young people in various areas of arts, ensuring that at the end of the training, participants will have better exposure and opportunity to become professionals in their chosen fields.

The free creative arts audition was open to young people of between the ages of 16 and 30 years and from all walks of life, regardless of their educational background.

“We are happy now that our students have emerged and seasoned professionals that will lecture and train them for that period of three months, after which they will be awarded with certificates, are also ready. There are other benefits because some of them will be privileged to work us in future.

“I would have loved to take more than 43 students, but the resources on ground for now can only cater for that number conveniently, but we hope to expand soon. The three-month course is free for all the participants,” Stella hinted.

The Stella Damasus Arts Foundation (SDAF), a non-profit organisation which relies on donations from charitable and socially responsible individuals and corporate bodies, was established by the sultry actress in pursuit of her commitment to give young people the opportunity to showcase their God-given talents and skills, thereby adding value to the society.

Recently, the SDAF was in partnership with Lamboghiny's Say No To Crime, hosting a successful Valentine In Prison (VIP) concert, which brought encouragement, love and entertainment to inmates of Ikoyi Prisons.