British Council in Algeria

The British Council in Algeria (المجلس الثقافي البريطاني في الجزائر) is a British organisation specialising in cultural and educational opportunities in Algeria. It works in the country promoting a wider knowledge of the UK and the English language; encouraging cultural, scientific, technological and educational co-operation between the two countries and promoting the British culture, education and society.

History
In 1934, the British Foreign Office officials created the British Committee for Relations with Other Countries to "support English education abroad, promote British culture and fight the rise of fascism". The name quickly became British Council for Relations with Other Countries and was then, in 1936, officially shortened to British Council. With Algeria's independence in 1962, the British Council opened its first office in Algiers, but closed in 1994 due to the security situation in the country. In 2006, the British Council reopened in Algiers with operations commencing in 2007.

In July 2015, the British Council in Algeria partnered with Echorouk El Yawmi to launch a competition to learn English. The newspaper used to publish a series of weekly articles in English from July 24 to August 20, 2015. Participants had to read the articles then answer the two asked questions on the British Council's website, the newspaper's website or the Facebook page. The prizes were granted to five winners and were awarded in September in a ceremony held at the UK Ambassador's Residence in Algiers in presence of prominent personalities.

Organization


The British Council in Algeria is a charity registered in England and Wales and Scotland and is governed by Royal Charter. It is also a public corporation and an executive nondepartmental public body (NDPB), sponsored by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Its headquarters are located in Hydra, Algiers.

Activity
Much of what the British Council does in Algeria has an international dimension involving countries in North Africa and the Middle East such as Connecting Classrooms, Skills for Employability and Active Citizens. It works with Algerian organisations, be they governmental or non-governmental, to develop various programs, especially in the area of English and education. It also organises arts and cultural activities with local partners.