On August 22, U.S. Ambassador to Algeria Joan Polaschik, Director General of Americas at the Algerian Foreign Affairs Ministry Ambassador Larbi Katti, Director of Legal Studies and Cooperation at the Algerian National Education Ministry Boubaker Seddik Bouazza, and Director of the American International School Algiers Judith Drotar led a ribbon-cutting ceremony to officially open the school, which began classes on August 23, 2016.
“I am pleased to announce the opening of the American International School of Algiers,” Ambassador Polaschik said. “The school is an excellent example of our bilateral cooperation and commitment to investing in youth and education, and a wonderful way to connect our countries.”
The opening follows the signing of an agreement to create an American school in Algiers by Assistant Secretary for Near Eastern Affairs at the U.S. Department of State, Anne Patterson, and Algerian Ambassador to the United States, Madjid Bouguerra, in Washington, DC on December 29, 2015.
During the second session of the U.S.-Algeria Strategic Dialogue in April 2014, Secretary of State John Kerry and Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Ramtane Lamamra announced the intent to open an American International School in Algiers. Today’s opening is concrete evidence of the two countries’ commitment to strengthening the bonds between the Algerian and American people and to broadening cooperation in the field of education. The school will serve as a place for mutual dialogue and understanding, where students and teachers can share their cultures and experiences.
For more information about the school, please visit www.aisalgiers.org and watch the conversation with Director Judith Drotar https://goo.gl/3BzVgF .
