In Algeria, a very rapid and political introduction of English in primary school

Presidential Instruction on June 19, 2022, just before summer vacation Algerian Abdelmadjid Tebboune surprised everyone. From the start of the school year in September 2022, young Algerians will no longer wait until they start learning English at college, but will be entitled to two 45-minute sessions per week from grade one, the equivalent of a CE2 grade. English means Universal languageFrench, when already taught in primary school, is The ravages of warThe Algerian president explained, using a famous expression by the writer Kateb Yacine.

Five thousand recruitment

This leaves only three months for the Ministry of Education to install President Ukes! It is clear that he succeeded, at least on paper. A program was designed and printed in a short booklet that was distributed in one and a half million copies; Around 5,000 contract teachers were recruited in early August and called for express training. 60,000 Algerians apply for ministerial exam spoiled!

Some, however, wonder about the bureaucratic selection criteria, which has privileged the seniority of diplomas over the actual level of English…Teachers’ unions are also stepping up to the plate by pointing to the kilometers of teachers appointed to the campaign. , in many schools. But the key question is the relevance of such a move in a school system already burdened with teacher shortages, unfinished rehabilitation work, and classes of 60 students in campuses planned for 40.

Instrumental English

The quick implementation and release of funds demonstrate that this reform is a political priority. For a long time, English was exploited by the conservative movement in power to flatter nationalism in the face of the French-speaking democratic and secular current. Officials have thus imposed English on the correspondence and signs of some ministries, including the military and higher education.

On August 25, 2022, During Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to Algiers, Everyone understood that the signs for the press conference were not accidental. Contrary to past usage, the title “President of the Republic” appeared on the tables in French, not in English, next to the Arabic.