Algiers – A national debate is unfolding in Algeria concerning the rise of private tutoring and its impact on the public education system. The National Union of Parents of Students launched its fourth national forum on Sunday, focusing on the Algerian school system and the phenomenon of supplementary private lessons. The event is being closely watched by teachers and parents alike, amidst growing concerns about the proliferation of this practice.
The two-day forum, held at the National Library in Algiers, is organized in partnership with the Laboratory of Neuropsychology, Cognitive and Social Sciences at the University of El Oued. It represents a concrete step towards addressing one of the most significant challenges facing Algeria’s public schools.
The event brings together experts, university professors, inspectors, and representatives of parents to examine the reasons behind the widespread adoption of private tutoring and to propose practical, evidence-based solutions. A key objective is to strengthen the effectiveness of public schools, enhance teacher skills, and improve the quality of education within classrooms.
Hamid Saadi, President of the National Union of Parents of Students, stated that the phenomenon of private tutoring places increasing pressure on both families and the educational sector. He cited factors such as declining student performance, disparities in the quality of public education, and shortcomings in vocational training and the school assessment system as contributing to the problem.
The forum aims to identify practical solutions to reduce reliance on external support and restore parents’ confidence in public schools as a fundamental pillar of successful and sustainable education. The increasing reliance on private tutors is no longer limited to struggling students; even high-achievers are now seeking supplementary support, placing further strain on families and posing significant challenges to the education sector.
Key questions to be addressed at the forum include: Has the public school system inadvertently contributed to the growth of private tutoring? What evidence-based solutions can effectively address this issue? The forum will focus on identifying weaknesses within the public education system and exploring strategies for improvement.
