DRAFT REMARKS FOR AMBASSADOR BARCLAY
EDIFAM CLOSING
May 11, 2005

Good morning. It’s a pleasure to be here today with the first lady and all of you as we officially close edifam, the program for early childhood and family education, recall its many achievements, and donate additional educational materials to edifam childcare centers.

Edifam is one of many joint efforts between the united states and el salvador. It is also one particularly close to my heart, since there is nothing i believe in more than the value of a good education, especially one which starts early and encourages our youngsters – and their parents – to continue learning throughout their lives.

Education is a fundamental pillar of development. In school, children learn to get along and share with others -- the basis of democracy. In school, children also learn basic skills and, more importantly, how to learn, a skill that is essential for life, especially in our fast-paced global economy.

Children need to be in an environment that stimulates learning, creativity, and values. Both my wife and i believe in this, and we acted on that belief, first as parents and now as grandparents.

That is why i am so proud of edifam’s efforts to improve early childhood education for salvadoran children.

Many of you probably do not know this, but i went to a one-room schoolhouse. We had five grades packed into that one room. I walked a mile to school every day, and a mile back. We didn’t have electricity.

What we did have, however, was a teacher who cared and who made us care about learning. That teacher made an enormous difference in my life, and teachers like her can make an enormous difference in the lives of children here.

I am pleased the embassy, through usaid, the ministry of education, and the secretaria nacional de la familia have been able to work together to improve on edifam. I am also delighted to be able to donate to 275 childcare centers material that will enhance children’s learning opportunities.

Education is essential for the future of el salvador – and every other country on this wonderful planet of ours. I have no doubt that all of you who here today share that belief and will continue working towards creating more and better learning opportunities for the children of el salvador, the future leaders of this great country.

Thank you.