THE WHITE HOUSE
November 16, 2006
I send greetings to those participating
in International Education Week 2006, hosted by the Department
of State and the Department of Education.
Education and literacy have the capacity
to transform nations and yield peace by encouraging participation
in the democratic process and enabling people to better
care for themselves and their families. My Administration
understands our responsibility to ensure that individuals
have the educational opportunities they need to succeed,
and we are working hard to improve the lives of men, women,
and children in America and around the world through education.
By teaching foreign languages, the National Security Language
Initiative will help ensure that our troops, intelligence
officers, and diplomats can continue to advance peace, and
it will enable our personnel serving in the far reaches
of the world to communicate in the languages of the people
we are trying to help. Our Nation also continues to encourage
and facilitate international student exchanges, which allow
Americans to better understand other cultures and encourage
students from around the world to see firsthand the true
nature of the multicultural society we enjoy in America.
I appreciate the Departments of State and
Education for organizing the seventh annual International
Education Week, and I am grateful to all those who work
to enhace educational excellence and international goodwill.
Together, we can build stronger societies and a brighter
future for people everywhere.
Laura and I send our best wishes.
GEORGE W. BUSH
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