Diverses activités culturelles en célébration de la Journée du Savoir à Alger
On April 16th, the Journée du Savoir (Knowledge Day) was commemorated with cultural and historical activities organized by Algeria’s Ministry of Culture and Arts at the Palais de la Culture Moufdi-Zakaria. This annual event honors the legacy of the influential scholar Abdelhamid Ben Badis, who played a crucial role in Algeria’s intellectual revival during the colonial period.
The event was attended by the Minister of Culture and Arts, Zouhir Ballalou, and Meriem Cherfi, the National Delegate for Child Protection. Students from various educational institutions in Algiers, including primary, middle, and secondary levels, as well as youth from the National Foundation for Health Promotion and Research Development (FOREM), participated in the ceremonies.
Ballalou emphasized the significance of the event, stating it aimed to underscore the importance of science in national development and to highlight Algerian intellectual struggles. He noted that the celebrations would resonate across the nation. Cherfi remarked on the significance of engaging youth with their history and culture, inspiring them to build a better future grounded in knowledge, building on Ben Badis’ legacy.
The schedule for the event included a 30-minute screening of an excerpt from the film « Ben Badis, » directed by Syrian filmmaker Basil Al Khatib. The film showcases pivotal moments in the life of Ben Badis, illustrating his contributions to education and intellectual reform.
Following the screening, political science and contemporary history professors from the University of Médéa, Dr. Mohamed Khodja and Dr. Mouloud Grine, provided a brief commentary on the history of Ben Badis and the broader historical context. They discussed how the Association of Algerian Muslim Scholars, established in 1931, became a vital part of the reformist movement, creating free schools and working to standardize educational programs despite the French colonial administration’s restrictions.
Their analysis highlighted how the Association recognized the significance of knowledge from the outset, focusing its efforts on education as a means to combat colonial efforts to diminish the identity and cultural values of the Algerian people. The establishment of free schools was thus portrayed as a powerful response and a vital tool against colonial educational frameworks designed to erase national identity.
In essence, the celebration of Journée du Savoir serves not just as a tribute to Ben Badis but also as a reminder of the ongoing importance of education and knowledge in shaping Algeria’s future. It underscores the need for future generations to engage with their cultural heritage and intellectual contributions actively.
The day’s activities also reinforced the notion that understanding one’s history and the struggles of influential figures like Ben Badis can motivate and empower Algeria’s youth. The remembrance of such pivotal contributions is essential in fostering an atmosphere where knowledge and cultural pride are prioritized, laying the foundation for a robust and enlightened society.
In summary, the Journée du Savoir at the Palais de la Culture was a resonant reminder of the role that education and cultural heritage play in national identity, particularly in the context of Algeria’s historical narrative and the legacy of Abdelhamid Ben Badis. The celebrations highlighted the importance of passing on knowledge and inspiring future generations to be active participants in the ongoing journey toward understanding their collective past and shaping a promising future.
