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U.S. Department of
Education
Secretary of Education, Margaret Spellings
Washington, D.C.
Statement on International Education Week
2007
I am pleased to invite you to participate
in the eighth annual International Education Week, November
12-16, 2007, a joint initiative of the U.S. Department of
Education and the U.S. Department of State. This year’s
theme, International Education: Fostering Global Citizenship
and Respect, recognizes the importance of teaching our children
to be responsible, respectful world citizens.
As a universal value, education plays a
fundamental role in the life of every nation. And an important
part of education is teaching children to be active and
informed international citizens. By studying the history,
culture, and languages of other countries, students gain
invaluable insights into how others live and learn important
lessons about respecting their fellow citizens of the world.
Rapid changes in technology are translating
into a smaller, more globalized world, as well as new opportunities
for international education. Any students with access to
a computer have the ability to be diplomats from their nation
and researchers about events unfolding in every corner of
the globe. More than ever, being prepared to contribute
to a better world is about what you know, not where you
live. Teaching our students about international issues today
will make us better equipped to tackle global challenges
in the future, from poverty to environmental concerns, hunger,
and disease.
International education enlarges our perspective,
as individuals and as a nation. By transcending the comforts
of what is familiar, we gain access to exciting new ideas,
rich cultures and traditions, and innovative ways of thinking.
Schools around the world recognize the importance of helping
students develop strong character and the skills they will
need to be responsible and productive citizens.
I urge all Americans to celebrate International
Education Week 2007 by learning more about other nations
and cultures, encouraging international education in their
local schools, and practicing good global citizenship.
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