Djaïli Amadou Amal: an exceptional literary encounter for Monegasque secondary school students

©Direction de la Communication / Manuel Vitali

As part of its annual literary conference programme, the Department of Education, Youth and Sport (DENJS) welcomes the Cameroonian writer, lecturer and UNICEF ambassador Djaïli Amadou Amal. Her much-remarked novel The Impatient, winner of the Goncourt des lycéens prize in 2020, has made her a key figure in contemporary literature. She is the first African author to be shortlisted for the prestigious Goncourt literary prize. Her international fame has recently taken her to the United States and Geneva for conferences on women’s rights.

A unique opportunity for students in the Principality

Every year, the DENJS hosts educational conferences with contemporary authors to offer students an enriching experience in person with a living writer. Literary figures hosted in the past include Carole Martinez, Maryline Desbiolles and Gilles Marchand. This year, Monaco has the privilege of welcoming Djaïli Amadou Amal. From 17 to 22 March, the writer will meet with nearly 350 students in 14 classes at three secondary schools in Monaco. The students, who have read The Impatient, will be able to interact with Amal directly during question-and-answer sessions with classes, a format that encourages dialogue and curiosity on the part of the students.

A novel that resonates with contemporary themes in the school curriculum

The Impatient has elicited a powerful and emotional reaction among students, who express concern and shock at certain startling scenes in the book. The discussions are completely on point with the school curriculum, particularly with Olympe de Gouges’ Declaration of the Rights of Woman and of the Female Citizen, which is studied as part of the Baccalauréat-level French literature programme. The visit by Djaïli Amadou Amal therefore provides a contemporary perspective on the issue of women’s rights and extends this essential debate.

An encounter that promotes French-speaking culture

The visit also coincides with Francophonie Week and is an additional chance to raise awareness among students about the diversity of the French language around the world. Certain students now know that French is the official language of Cameroon, thus reinforcing their perception of French-language culture around the world as an arena for cultural interaction and sharing. These events will no doubt be a source of rich and interesting debate and illustrate the importance of literature as a vector of intellectual thought and awareness about major societal issues.