Components of the Commemorative Poster for the 70th Anniversary of National Student Day (19 May 1956 – 2026)
This poster embodies the 70th anniversary of Student Day in Algeria, observed on May 19th each year, where the imagery bridges ancient history with future aspirations.
Historical Symbolism: The center of the poster features black-and-white photographs of Algerian students who abandoned their studies to join the Glorious Liberation Revolution. History bears witness to their prominent role and the immense sacrifices they made to achieve Algeria's independence and bring the Algerian cause to the global stage.
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Continuity: The number 70 is positioned at the top of the poster. The digit 0 is depicted as the star and crescent of the national flag in red, linking the history of the 1956 student strike to the present year, 2026.
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A Vision Toward the Future: The lower section of the poster displays a colored image of contemporary Algerian students in laboratories. They are surrounded by technical symbols representing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Virtual Reality (VR) headsets, reflecting the modern student's role in scientific research and technological advancement.
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The Slogan: The poster carries the slogan "Memory of Struggle and a Journey of Building," which summarizes the core message of the 70th anniversary.
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"Memory of Struggle" holds profound symbolic meaning, evoking a past filled with sacrifice and honoring the heroes of a distinguished history.
- "A Journey of Building" signifies the orientation toward the present and future through national development, institution-building, and the pursuit of progress and prosperity.
- This slogan serves as a call to combine pride in the militant past with the inspiration of its values to continue building a better future.
Ministry of MuDjahideen and Rights Holders
Series: Immortal Days in the History of Algeria – May 19: Student Day
Introduction
In the annals of the Liberation Revolution, there are days as immortal as the Algerian people themselves, who proved through steadfastness and sacrifice that they were the impenetrable fortress guarding the revolution and forging its military and political victories. These days are many; each is a unique epic of heroism and a bright history written in sacrifice, redemption, and the blood of martyrs. These "days" will forever inspire present and rising generations with lessons drawn from the core values and noble ethics of Algeria.
Founding of the Student Union (UGEMA) and the Political Struggle
The political and military developments in Algeria, combined with the miserable conditions of Algerian students under colonial rule, sparked the idea of establishing a student organization capable of improving their social, cultural, and political status while defending the national cause. Thus, the General Union of Algerian Muslim Students (UGEMA) was born nine months after the outbreak of the Liberation Revolution.
The Founding of UGEMA: On February 27, 1955, initiated by the "Muslim Students Association of North Africa," a call was issued to all students to join and participate in forming the Union Générale des Étudiants Musulmans Algériens (U.G.E.M.A). The founding congress was held in Paris from July 8 to 14, 1955, attended by cultural and political figures and representatives from various student organizations.
The congress addressed three primary axes:
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Uniting Algerian students by incorporating the largest possible number into their ranks.
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Working to grant the Arabic language its rightful place as the primary engine of Algerian culture.
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Student participation in the political life of the country.
The congress approved the organizational structure and elected an executive committee consisting of:
- Ahmed Taleb Ibrahimi (President).
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Layachi Yaker (Vice President).
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Mouloud Belaouane (Secretary General).
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Abderrahmane Chérit (Assistant Secretary).
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Mohamed Mansour (Treasurer).
Paris was chosen as the temporary central headquarters to evade the emergency laws prevailing across Algerian territory. UGEMA entered the political arena, addressing the French public to denounce criminal operations against the Algerian people and the detention of many students.
Results of the Second Congress: Held in Paris from March 24 to 30, 1956, the second congress took a bold and explicit stance against French colonialism, demanding independence as the primary goal set by the leadership of the revolution. A new executive committee was elected, including Mouloud Belaouane (President) and Mohamed Khemisti (Secretary General), with Redha Malek, Abdelmalek Benhabyles, and Ali Kheddari as members.
The Historic Strike of May 19 and Joining the Revolution
The Indefinite Strike of May 19, 1956: Faced with colonial intransigence and increasing repression, tension peaked at the University of Algiers. Rumors of the assassination of student Farhat Hadjadj after his arrest further complicated matters. On May 19, 1956, students declared an indefinite strike from classes and exams to collectively join the ranks of the revolution. The historic call famously stated that they "refused diplomas granted over the corpses of their innocent countrymen" and preferred "death alongside the Mujahideen over a meaningless life".
The Revolutionary Struggle of Algerian Students: This strike was the first step toward full integration into the National Liberation Army (ALN). Within days, more than 157 students from the University of Algiers joined the armed struggle. High school students also responded massively, with participation reaching approximately 90%. These young scientific talents served as soldiers, teachers, doctors, nurses, and media specialists tasked with enlightening international opinion on the justice of the Algerian struggle for total independence.
Excerpt from the Historic Strike Call (Algiers Branch)
"...Therefore, we declare, as of now, an indefinite strike from classes and examinations. Let us desert the university benches for the mountains and rugged terrains, and let us all join the National Liberation Army and its political organization, the National Liberation Front. O Algerian students and intellectuals, shall we turn back while the world watches us, our homeland calls us, and our country summons us to a life of dignity, heroism, and glory?" — The General Union of Algerian Muslim Students.
Anthem: "We are the Students of Algeria"
By the poet Moufdi Zakaria