Yesterday, I spoke with a few of them and they explained their strike to me. Shaharazad and a a of her friends conveyed their frustration. The Algerian government has decided that they will not accept the diplomas that they receive from their university, meaning that the diplomas will not be useful for them once they return to Algeria to find work. Shaharazad also shared that if the Algerian government does not accept the diplomas then none of the students will know what to do with their futures. We all continued to talk about education, problems of the government, and about ourselves. Tea was shared, music was played, and pictures were viewed. Some of the pictures were incredibly moving. Some of the demonstrators have gone on hunger strikes as well, incurring a few students to be rushed to hospitals. Nevertheless, those students currently recovering will be back demonstrating soon.
These students are determined to be heard by their government. To show your support, until their diplomas are recognized in Algeria, please go to the Algerian embassy (Ismail Mohammed, Zamalek). Our conversations were a mix of Arabic, English and French, so don’t worry about problems with communication. They can be overcome.
The Daily News Egypt has also written a piece on the struggle of the Algerian students. Read it for more information on what has previously happened.
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