The Direction de l’Éducation Nationale, de la Jeunesse et des Sports (DENJS) is hosting Cameroonian author, lecturer, and UNICEF ambassador Djaïli Amadou Amal from Monday, March 17 to Saturday, March 22 as part of its annual literary program. Known for her 2020 Prix Goncourt des Lycéens-winning novel Les Impatientes, Amal became the first African writer to reach the Goncourt finals, cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary literature. Fresh from speaking engagements on women’s rights in the U.S. and Geneva, she now brings her insights to Monaco’s classrooms.
Roughly 350 students from 14 classes across the Principality’s three high schools will engage with Amal, having studied Les Impatientes in advance. The intimate Q&A sessions promise lively discussions, building on the book’s powerful impact—stirring emotions and sparking debates among teens. Her visit aligns with the French baccalaureate curriculum, particularly the study of Olympe de Gouges’ Declaration of the Rights of Woman and the Female Citizen, offering a modern lens on gender equality.
Timed with Francophonie Week, the event also celebrates the global reach of the French language, with some students learning that French is Cameroon’s official tongue. Following past visits from authors like Carole Martinez and Gilles Marchand, Amal’s presence underscores Monaco’s commitment to connecting students with living literary figures, fostering reflection on pressing social issues through the power of words.
