Laura Bush greets women teachers from Afghanistan in
the Diplomatic Reception Room of the White House, Dec. 4, 2002. White House photo by Susan Sterner.
Mrs. Bush knows that education is powerful in the fight against poverty and injustice. Well-educated children will come to know a world of understanding and tolerance and will imagine a hopeful future. Education
reshapes communities, fosters democracy, and strengthens economies. Strong
schools that emphasize basic skills and broad knowledge enable nations to prosper and
the ideals of liberty to flourish.
In cooperation with the United Nations Educations, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO), the United States is doing more to help improve the chances
for children in other nations. In her role as Honorary Ambassador for the
United Nations Decade of
Literacy, Mrs. Bush is helping raise awareness and mobilize support for the goal of
bringing the life-saving gift of literacy to more children, women, and men around the
world.