Photo: Algiers University, jd.mars / Shutterstock
Higher education stands at the forefront of development and innovation. Twinning helped the Algerian government diversify training offers, adapt teaching methods and improve the overall higher education governance structure. The ministry was provided with professional support to assume its role in leading the reform and contribute to the success of the new vision for education, training and research for Algeria.
The project, initially planned for the duration of 30 months, was extended by additional 6 months and included 14 main activities and 57 sub-activities with 1,160 hours of training, reaching 3,200 participants from around 100 higher education establishments.
We interview Antonio Bueno, Professor of Translation and Interpreting at the University of Valladolid, who was the coordinator of the Twinning project managed by the International and Ibero-American Foundation for Administration and Public Policies (FIIAPP) and financed by the European Union. What has been the greatest achievement of your experience as an expatriate expert?
Feeling that I’m acting as a bridge between the European Union and Spain, as a Member State, and Algeria. Collaborating in the creation of a community of experts to transfer knowledge in the higher education and scientific research sector. Strengthening the ties between two academic systems, between two countries, between two peoples.
What are you most proud of?
Of having put my experience, my languages and my work at the service of two States, one donor and the other recipient, both of which greatly benefited. Of having the opportunity to teach in a ministry, in a country, after having done it in the classroom and in the university auditorium.
How did your mission as an aid worker and at the same time a public worker contribute to improving the lives of people and/or the planet?
I carried out my mission in a teaching, research and high ministerial management environment, which aims to change the procedures to facilitate the creation of wealth and the training of new generations. I feel I have the responsibility to contribute to the well-being and equality of human beings, no matter where they live.
What is the main value of the public aspect for you?
The common interest. The space in which everyone has rights (and also duties). The one that looks out for the interests of the community. The best known. The one that has no fenced-off territories and is altruistic. The one we’re all called upon to protect.
What have you learnt?
The extreme affinity of human feelings, whatever the religion, language, political system or culture. The ability to put myself in the other person’s position. The value of communication. The value of other people’s opinions. That there are other worlds possible.
Project title: Support to the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research for the reinforcement of pedagogical skills of teachers & researchers and the managerial capacities of managers
Project ID: DZ 16 ENI OT 01 18, 2019-2022