The Guinean Private Schools Association (AGEP) officially launched the 36th edition of the Paul Gérard Lajoie (PGL) dictation competition on October 30, 2026, in Conakry. The event took place at a hotel complex and was attended by several education sector partners, actors, and former laureates. This year's theme is "Je lis, j'écris, j'agis" (I read, I write, I act), focusing on promoting French language skills and building on Guinea's previous international achievements.
The president of AGEP, Abdoulaye Hady Diallo, emphasized the pedagogical importance of the competition, especially in the context of digital development and artificial intelligence. He highlighted the remarkable performances of Guinean candidates since their first participation in 2023, including Mohamed Traoré's first place in 2025 and Hadja Karimata Baldé's second place in 2026 with zero errors. Diallo attributed these successes to the support of the Ministry of National Education, teachers, parents, and partners.
According to Abdoulaye Hady Diallo, the competition has grown significantly, attracting 135,000 candidates from public and private schools across the country last year. He stated that the challenge now is to sustainably maintain Guinea's position among the top three nations and provide ongoing support to former laureates throughout their academic and professional careers.
Bella Bah, responsible for the organization within AGEP, highlighted the symbolic significance of the 36th edition, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation. Bah outlined the next steps, including a communication campaign and registration process through focal points in Conakry's communes and country prefectures. Interested schools have until November 14 to register.
Nagnouman Keita Touré, representing parents present at the event, praised AGEP's efforts and commitment to supporting candidates. She emphasized the positive impact of the competition on children, enabling them to exceed their limits, gain confidence, and represent Guinea abroad with dignity. Touré expressed gratitude to AGEP for their dedication and passion.
The PGL dictation competition continues to be a significant educational initiative in Guinea, promoting linguistic skills and international recognition. As the 36th edition unfolds, participants will have the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities and potentially follow in the footsteps of previous Guinean laureates.
The event marks a notable milestone in Guinea's educational sector, showcasing the country's commitment to fostering academic excellence and linguistic proficiency.
Key points
- The 36th edition of the PGL dictation competition aims to promote French language mastery among Guinean students.
- The competition has grown significantly, attracting 135,000 candidates from public and private schools across Guinea last year.
- The event coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Paul Gérin-Lajoie Foundation, adding to its symbolic significance.
