ESL Blogs

This discussion took place yesterday morning, between me and Salim about citizenship, what is it, how to become a good citizen, how to get your rights as a citizen and so on.

Nadiyah : what is your assumption about citizenship,in other words,what does it mean for you?

Salim : Yes. Being a citizen is having rights and duties.Doing something for your community without a pay back,and enjoying freedom of expression and faith.

Nadiyah : Then, how to become that citizen?

Salim : You're a citizen when you throw your rubbish in the trash can,you're a citizen when you organize the local life of your environment by creating small associations meant to help the poor and the disabled,you're a citizen when you go and vote for the one you like or think is the best one who can run your affairs.............and many other things.

Nadiyah : How about citizenship in your country?

Salim : Algeria suffered a lot from the 132 years of French colonization(1830-1962).It was really hard to built the Algerian citizen once again,especially after the cultural war that the french troops and governors waged against everything linked to the Algerian culture from destroying religious schools and mosques,to killing national figures and scholars.But thank god we're doing great in this field and the Algerian people and getting more aware about the role they can play within their community.

Nadiyah : the important thing about being a good citizen is to have an active participation in your community. how?

Salim : Good question! Participation has many faces.It can be local by planting trees and flowers and training kids.It can be national by organizing meetings on how to be a good citizen.It can be International by being active in one of the world wide organizations like "Green peace",and all of these are just examples.

Nadiyah : What are the obstacles that citizens face?

Salim : The biggest challenge is to deal with oppressive regimes.Being under a military regime(like most of the countries) diminishes the area of influence of citizens,they must be motivated and believe in what they are doing or will to do.

Many thanks to Salim who agreed to answer my questions.

Any contributions to the topic are most welcome.

this picture taken : here