Almost 12 million students in Algeria are returning to school today, marking the beginning of the 2026-2027 academic year. The official launch will take place in Jijel, a region recently affected by fires that damaged several schools. The Minister of National Education, Mohamed Seghir Sadaoui, visited Jijel on September 10 to assess the progress of repairs and assured that all affected schools would be ready for the start of the academic year.
The Algerian education sector has been working to improve infrastructure, equipment, and general conditions for students. A total of 289 new educational structures have been built to increase capacity and meet the needs of different regions. The ministry has also focused on school canteen services and transportation, with a meeting held with local authorities to ensure their smooth operation from the start of the academic year.
Ten new or revised textbooks have been introduced for the new academic year, including nine for primary school and one for middle school. Over 80 million textbooks have been prepared nationwide, with nearly 30 million to be distributed free of charge to eligible students. The changes include new Arabic, Islamic education, and mathematics textbooks for primary school students, as well as an English textbook for middle school students.
The first lesson of the new academic year will focus on the link between human health and the natural environment, with a theme adapted to each level of education. This initiative is part of the School Health Week, which will take place from September 21 to 24 and will include awareness-raising activities on hygiene, balanced diet, physical activity, and mental health.
The Algerian education sector is also committed to supporting students with specific needs. Around 40,000 students will be accompanied by the National Solidarity sector during the 2026-2027 academic year in specialized education establishments and special classes within National Education establishments. The sector has a network of 242 specialized establishments and 30 annexes, as well as 1,545 special classes.
To support students with specific needs, over 200 new special classes will be added to the existing network, and the sector will have a multidisciplinary teaching staff of over 15,000. Preparations have focused on adapting structures, equipment, teaching and technical means, and educational, psychological, and social support.
The new academic year brings several challenges, but the Algerian education sector is working to provide a better learning environment for its students. With a focus on improving infrastructure, revising textbooks, and supporting students with specific needs, the sector aims to provide a quality education for all.
Key points
- Almost 12 million Algerian students return to school today.
- Ten new or revised textbooks have been introduced for the new academic year.
- The first lesson will focus on the link between human health and the environment.
