On November 13, 2019, Mr. Abdelkader DJEMAÏ responded to our invitation and came to St. Paul as part of the “Tomorrow with Four Hands” contest. The two objectives of the day are: to meet the students of Première to talk about literature and present the work of author; secondly, meet the participants of the intergenerational writing workshop.
Talking literature with high school students
This Wednesday morning, all First Graders take their seats in St Paul’s Hall to listen to Mr. Abdelkader DJEMAÏ. The writer begins to talk about his childhood in Oran and the memories he keeps from it. It evokes the first borrowed book, the sweets bought from a merchant, the rustle of paper… His speech is very he instantly immerses us in the Algeria of his childhood. Our students are silent and captivated by this testimony, some take notes. Abdelkader DJEMAÏ also talks about his books, his way of writing, gives editorial boards.
Then it’s the high school students who ask questions: “At what age did you start writing?” “How long do you take to write a book? “How do you feel when you see your books in bookstores? »… Mr. DJEMAÏ’s answers every question, always very precise and touching.
The “Four-Handed Tomorrow” workshop: the beginnings
This is a national news writing competition initiated by the AZERTY Foundation. From a quotation, young high school students and retired people meet each week in order to write a short story of about ten pages. For Angoulême it is: “No matter, the face of the world will not be changed” (F. MITTERAND, Letters to Anne).
All begins on Wednesday, September 19, 2019 at St. Paul’s High School Angoulême. Fifteen high school students volunteer to meet with “seniors” in order to participate in a writing workshop. three institutions are registered at the national level: Paris, Neuilly and Angoulême.
In early afternoon residents of the “Bury Villa” and the “Moulin des Dames” arrive in minibuses. St Paul’s Hall, our “juniors” are waiting for them. Purpose of this session “0”: getting to know each other, breaking the ice and building the intergenerational teams. The first few minutes, everyone stays a little shy and then, quickly, the young people go to meet the elders and sit down with them to start the conversation. When everyone is OK, Mistresses ARNAUD and KRYNICKI welcomed the participants and re-specified the how the project unfolded. Everyone is then invited to complete a questionnaire aimed at forming groups by affinity. Secondly, a little more delicate exercise: juniors and seniors write a letter of Presentation. This can be done on various paper, cardboard and cardboard media. A few add a drawing or a small personal achievement. a taste closes this first date.
The “Four-Handed Tomorrow” workshop: cruising speed
Fifteen days after the teams are formed. The writing work can begin. Week after week, trust sets in and even complicity. Links created: seniors are eager to arrive at the workshop, some high school students visit residents. The first lines are born, the is taking shape. It’s a real commitment to time and a job editorial staff for these teams. However, this does not in any way hinder the joy of being around the table to advance his story. After several weeks, the expected moment arrives: the meeting with our sponsor.
Abdelkader DJEMAÏ, workshop sponsor
The afternoon of Wednesday, November 13 is reserved for the meeting. Our writers are eager to meet the author, a little impressed too. Each group in turn reads the text already written. Abdelkader Djemaï listens in silence, attentively. Everyone is focused on reading. When the speakers stop, the writer comments and gives advice: “It’s good, there’s movement, the vocabulary is rich… Don’t hesitate to cut a few lengths to strengthen your text.” Other participants also ask questions, ask for clarification, and offer advice. The atmosphere is concentrated but relaxed. Literary styles are varied: policeman, science fiction, mythology…
At the end of the reading the teams regroup around the tables and work resumes. We must be ready for the delivery of the news which, given the magnitude of the task, has been postponed until January. A delay that will do good for everyone, not to mention the pleasure of meeting for a little more time.
