Remarks

Importance of Education

American Center, Dhaka

May 19, 2005

Good afternoon. Welcome to the American Center and to our new Library.  We’re also proud of our Student Advising Center, which assists many in starting a new chapter in their lives – studying in the United States.  Both our societies respect education and put a high value on learning.

Every child deserves an education -- no matter what the circumstances.  In the U.S., this belief is held so strongly that parents who don’t send their children to school can go to jail.  Compulsory education has been the law for nearly one hundred years.  

Education isn’t just a noble endeavor.  Americans fiercely believe that schools are the “great equalizer,” giving all children equal opportunities. In American society, someone from an impoverished background can transform their destiny through education. Think about Oprah Winfrey or Bill Clinton – powerful Americans from the humblest of origins who changed their lives through education.  

In the United States, schools have led positive social change.  In my own lifetime, a very important Supreme Court decision – Brown vs. Board of Education – ensured that black and white children could attend school together.  In 1972, Congress enacted laws barring sex discrimination in admission, classes, financial aid and athletics – without these laws, my own daughter could not participate in sports or apply to the college of her choice.

Some say millionaires or politicians are society’s most powerful figures.  I disagree.  Teachers have amazing power, the power to shape and direct young minds.  Most of us can point to a teacher who changed our lives.  The late Amina Begum, a pioneer in female education in Bangladesh, was honored in Dhaka last week for her ability to change lives and her leadership in encouraging girls’ education.

Sometimes obstacles for children seem overwhelming:  poverty, minority status, or gender.  I’m happy that more and more girls are enrolled in primary school in Bangladesh.   But millions of girls are still denied education, which robs them of their health and their youth.  The so-called “lesser” value of girl children too often stops their education at the most basic level.

I’ve noticed reports in the press of so-called “Eve teasing,” sexual harassment that poisons girls’ lives.  In some districts, the number of girl students is decreasing daily because their parents are afraid to send them to school. Perpetrators act with impunity, bullying their victims beyond endurance.  Girls are married off instead of going to school.  Their health – and the health of the babies they soon have – is jeopardized.  In some cases the harassment is so extreme that the girls believe suicide is the only escape. 

This is intolerable.  Police, teachers, and local leaders must stand against harassment.  As I’ve said when speaking on domestic violence, such behavior is not cultural; it is merely criminal.  There is nothing “manly” about taunting or threatening a girl, nothing acceptable about turning a blind eye to harassment or dismissing it as “the way boys are.”  Bangladesh will only weaken if girls, the poor, and minorities are denied the right to an education through such a poisoned atmosphere. 

Starting good habits at a young age is essential for change. Recently USAID launched “Sisimpur,” based on a program that influenced generations of American children to love learning.  USAID also offers the SUCCEED program, which builds a sound foundation in early childhood to help kids stay in school longer. Children who participate in SUCCEED will be future leaders for Bangladesh.

The American Center Library – including the Children’s Corner – is open to all. Free public libraries are an excellent tool for educating citizens, and we strongly encourage you to join our Library.  Students can visit our Student Advising Center; we also sponsor madrassa students’ study of English.  In the autumn, 18 Bangladeshi students will attend high school in the U.S.  We sponsor educational exchanges because it is in the U.S. government’s interest to promote education.

But what can we do as individuals?  I see many journalists in the audience today.  Education in Bangladesh can be a success story – tell it.  But also tell your readers and viewers about the problems.  Make clear and unmistakable some of the obstacles faced by girls, minorities and the disadvantaged in getting a quality education. Parents in the audience, ensure that boys and girls in your families get the same firm message: education is lifeblood, no matter what your gender, religion, or economic status.

John F. Kennedy said, “Let us think of education as the means of developing our greatest abilities, because in each of us there is a private hope and dream which, fulfilled, can be translated into benefit for everyone and greater strength for our nation.” 

I am happy to take questions.

 

GR/ 2005

 

Note:  A Bangla translation of this article is also available from the American Center.  If you are interested in the translation, please call the American Center Press Section (Tel: 8813440-4, Fax: 9881677; e-mail: DhakaPA@state.gov; Website: dhaka.usembassy.gov (New)