ALE Country Profile
Algeria
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Adult learning and education in Algeria is governed by a structured legislative and strategic framework, based primarily on the National Education Orientation Law (Law No. 08-04 of January 23, 2008), which serves as the legal foundation for national education policy, including adult education. This law is complemented by several reference documents, most notably the National Literacy Strategy, which guides specific actions in this field.
Other important laws reinforce this framework, such as Law No. 08-07 on vocational training and education , Law No. 18-10 of June 10, 2018, which sets the rules for apprenticeships, and Decree No. 90-149 establishing the University of Continuing Education (UFC), a key player in lifelong learning.
The sector is managed by several ministries:
- The Ministry of National Education, the main authority responsible for literacy and adult education;
- The Ministry of Vocational Training and Education, in charge of technical and vocational training;
- The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, which oversees universities and continuing education centers;
- The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, particularly involved in training for rural populations.
The country has a national network of Universities of Continuing Education (UFC) that provide professional development training throughout the national territory.
Regarding literacy, responsibility lies with the National Office of Literacy and Adult Education (ONAEA), created in 2008 and operating under the supervision of the Ministry of National Education. Its main mission is the fight against illiteracy. ONAEA is responsible for identifying the pillars of the national literacy strategy, implementing it, and training and monitoring teachers in this field. It notably ensures:
- Initial training cycles for new instructors;
- Ongoing training sessions to enhance pedagogical skills;
- Practical internships focused on adult-adapted teaching methods (andragogy).
Government programs primarily target:
- Literacy, to reduce still-high rates of illiteracy;
- Vocational and continuing training, to improve adult employability and skills;
- Education for active citizenship, aimed at strengthening social and democratic participation.
Among the key challenges identified is the need to broaden the vision of adult education beyond literacy alone. There is an urgent need to adopt a holistic and systemic approach that integrates the various fields of adult learning, from basic skills to professional training and citizenship education.
Civil society, particularly associations, plays a vital and complementary role to that of state institutions. It provides locally adapted, learner-centered services. For example, the Algerian National Literacy Association (IQRAA), the main partner of ONAEA, specializes in adult education. In 2014, it received the UNESCO Literacy Prize for its innovative program for the integration and training of women (AFIF), highlighting the quality and impact of its work.
The government places strong importance on collaboration with civil society. A National Observatory of Civil Society was created in 2021 by presidential decree to promote dialogue and coordination. Associations are regularly consulted during the development of public policies and may receive funding based on the quality of their achievements and programs, including in the field of adult learning.
Cooperation between academic institutions and the government is well-structured, with representatives from universities and civil society participating in program management and advisory bodies. However, there is significant untapped potential to enhance the quality of services and the professionalization of stakeholders.
Funding for the sector comes mainly from the State budget, supplemented by contributions from the private sector and donors. For example, IQRAA benefits from the support of the telecom operator Ooredoo , with whom it has established a strategic partnership. In 2023, this partnership enabled the equipping of its new literacy, training, and women's professional integration center in the city of Béchar, in the south of the country.
Finally, DVV International began its activities in Algeria in 2024, in partnership with local stakeholders. Its initial efforts focused on raising awareness among key actors about non-formal approaches and lifelong learning, and on initiating reflection on the development of an integrated adult education system involving both public institutions and civil society. DVV International also works to foster connections and networking among scholars and practitioners in adult education, with the goal of strengthening the skills of adult educators and methodologists, and making learning more effective and accessible to all.
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