This week the French Program had the honor of welcoming Mr. James Noël, a highly esteemed and award-winning Haitian poet, musician, writer, and editor. The Intermediate and Advanced French classes were treated to an up-close presentation where Mr. Noël shared details of his childhood, his education, how he fell in love with literature, and what the life of a poet is like in present times.
He delighted the students by singing a poem that they had previously studied in class, and by showing them the art magazine that consumes much of his time as editor. French students welcomed him with some Puerto Rican traditional sweets, coffee and tea, as they engaged and participated in the entirely French discussion with Mr. Noël.
Mr. Noël has written a dozen books, has received several awards, and was a resident at the Villa Medici (the French Academy in Rome). He is visiting Puerto Rico as part of the renowned Puerto Rican literature festival “Festival de la Palabra” which is taking place this weekend in Old San Juan. We are delighted that he was able to share some of his time with us at Baldwin School!