The French high school Alexandre Dumas in Algiers is the subject of strong criticisms from associations of parents of students. The latter ask the Algerian authorities and the French representation in Algeria to open an urgent investigation and to review the management of these high schools, in order to guarantee fair and not discriminatory education. A complaint was also filed with competent judicial bodies in Algiers, demanding an investigation on respect for national laws and bilateral agreements.
During an interview with the Arabic -speaking newspaper El rumorrepresentatives of parents of students presented official documents attesting to what they call “serious violations” in the functioning of these establishments. Among the main grievances are restrictions on religious practices.
According to an internal note revealed by the newspaper, the French Lycée also present in Oran and Annaba, would apply a strict interpretation of French secularism, prohibiting any religious sign, including the wearing of hijab, as well as any reference to Islam, even in conversations between students or teachers. This policy is judged in contradiction with the Algerian Constitution, which recognizes Islam as a state religion and guarantees freedom of worship.
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A teaching out of step with the Algerian program
Parents also denounce irregularities in the legal field. They say that French unions, such as SNES and SGEN, as well as parents’ associations, operate under the 1901 French law regime without authorization from the Algerian authorities. This situation would influence local law on associations (law 12-06) and labor law (law 90-14), which impose the registration of trade union organizations with Algerian bodies.
Another subject of controversy: the absence of certain essential materials of the Algerian curriculum, such as history and civic education. However, the Franco-Algerian agreement of 2002 provides for the integration of these lessons. Parents believe that this omission deprives students of a link with their cultural and historical heritage.
Disparities in the allocation of scholarships and exorbitant costs
Critics also relate to inequalities in access to scholarships, reserved for French students, while their Algerian comrades, however eligible, are excluded. In addition, tuition and exams have experienced significant increases. Registration fees in the baccalaureate now amount to 305,000 dinars (2,110 euros), an increase of 430 % in three years, while annual costs reach 800,000 dinars, up 52 % for nine years. These prices are much higher than those practiced in Morocco (356 euros) or in Tunisia (293 euros), arousing questions about the equity of this policy.
Faced with these reproaches, the parents claim to have alerted the administration of the high school and the cultural adviser of the French Embassy, who would have replied that these questions were exclusively of diplomatic channels. A position perceived as an attempt to exclude Algerian families from the debate, despite their financial contribution.
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