The new school year in Algeria has been launched with a focus on innovation and reform. Minister of National Education, Mohamed Seghir Saâdaoui, officially kicked off the 2026/2027 academic year in Jijel, where 12 million students are set to begin their studies. The minister emphasized that this new period will be marked by significant projects aimed at supporting pedagogy, promoting innovation, and enhancing the overall educational experience.
One of the key initiatives announced by the minister is the reinforcement of pedagogical and administrative support. This includes the recruitment of teachers and the creation of a new position for educational support personnel in primary schools. These specialists will be trained in sociology, psychology, and education sciences to provide close support to students. This move is seen as essential in deepening the foundational education of children.
The second project highlighted by the minister is the second edition of the national school innovation competition. This initiative encourages teachers and students to develop innovative ideas and transform them into tangible projects. The goal is to support the most promising initiatives and help them become economically viable. The ministry's incubator, through the National Institute for Research in Education, will provide support to these projects before they are directed to dedicated start-up structures.
Another significant initiative is the second edition of the national inter-high school competition, designed to provide a platform for students to prepare for crucial exams. Additionally, a national school theater competition will be launched, offering students an artistic outlet and an opportunity to express themselves. The productions from this competition will culminate in a grand finale at the end of the year.
Protecting the school environment from external interference is another priority for the minister. He stressed the need to focus on the core mission of education and safeguard students from external influences that could disrupt their learning. To achieve this, a close partnership with parents will be fostered to ensure continuity between the school and home environments.
The academic program for the new school year will place a strong emphasis on future-oriented disciplines. The computer science curriculum will include cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. Furthermore, the teaching of living languages will be enhanced, with English being given a prominent place, alongside other languages like German, French, Spanish, and Italian.
The choice of Jijel as the location for the official launch of the new school year holds symbolic significance. The region has recently faced challenges, including fires that damaged several school buildings. However, thanks to the concerted efforts of local authorities and public institutions, the necessary rehabilitation work has been completed in time for the new academic year. The minister's presence in Jijel also acknowledged the resilience and solidarity shown by the local community.
Key points
- The new school year in Algeria will focus on innovation, reform, and protecting the school environment from external interference.
- The minister has announced several initiatives, including a national school innovation competition and a national inter-high school competition.
- The academic program will place a strong emphasis on future-oriented disciplines, including computer science and living languages.
