In a significant move towards asserting its cultural independence, the Algerian government has officially banned the use of the French curriculum in approximately 600 private schools across the country. This decision, characterized by Algerian MPs as a “sovereign move,” aligns with their vision for a “New Algeria.”
The Algerian Ministry of Education has issued notices to these private schools, directing them to immediately abandon the French curriculum. This marks a significant departure from the longstanding influence of French education in Algeria, which has been deeply entrenched since the country’s independence in 1962.
This decision comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between Algeria and France, exacerbated by issues related to historical memory and nuclear tests. France’s reluctance to share maps of Algeria and its refusal to relinquish colonial-era archives have further strained relations.
To promote linguistic diversity and diminish the dominance of the French language, the Algerian government introduced English language instruction in early education last year. Traditionally, French has served as the language of administration, business, and government in Algeria, functioning as a second official language.
MPs argue that this move is part of their broader vision for a “New Algeria,” aimed at breaking free from the “cultural imperialism” imposed by France during colonial rule. They see this as a crucial step in asserting Algerian identity and preserving a unified cultural direction for the nation’s youth.
Moussa Khafri, Deputy Speaker of the Algerian Parliament, emphasized that private educational institutions in Algeria must adhere to the country’s regulations, which require them to follow the Algerian curriculum rather than the French one. He stressed the pivotal role of school curricula in shaping new generations and highlighted that this measure seeks to fully reclaim Algerian cultural identity.
Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune has been a staunch advocate for Algerian sovereignty and a vocal opponent of French influence in his nation and on the African continent. Tebboune has called on France to free itself from its “colonizer complex” for diplomatic relations to be reshaped between the two countries.
Tebboune underscored the importance of acknowledging the 132 years of occupation and called on France to address historical grievances, including decontaminating the nuclear test sites and covering medical expenses for affected individuals in areas like Reggane and Tamanrasset.
It’s essential to remember that during Algeria’s independence war from 1954 to 1962, it is estimated that French troops killed approximately 1 million Algerians. This ban on the French curriculum represents a significant step towards charting a new path for Algeria, one that reflects its cultural independence and determination to shape its own educational future.
