Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon?s remarks as prepared for delivery today at the Cassait Basic Education Centre in Liquica District, Timor-Leste:
What a wonderful performance by that inspiring dance group. Thank you so much [leads applause].
Thank you so much for welcoming me and my delegation here. Coming to this school brings back memories for me. As a young child, I grew up at a difficult time for my country. South Korea was very poor. But we made one very wise decision: to invest in education.
A seed will grow into a tree with the right soil, water and light. A child will grow into a strong adult with the right books, teachers and values. That is how we build productive societies ? one lesson at a time. When I see Timor-Leste investing in education, I know the seeds of a better future will blossom soon. I thank all the generous donors who support this wonderful school.
In about an hour, I will go to the University of Timor-Leste. I hope that in about a decade, the students here will be going there, too. It is important to have big dreams. And it is important to take many, many small steps to achieve them. Every time a child studies even one page of problems, they build a better life.
Many of you are education experts. You know that the value of this school resonates far beyond its walls. Education promotes equality. Learning lifts people out of poverty. Life skills can even prevent disease and save lives. And whole economies can prosper.
I appreciate your dedication to quality education. I want to amplify your efforts by mobilizing all partners in a new Global Initiative on Education called Education First. The aim is to enrol all children, improve quality and foster global citizens.
This Cassait school proves that education is not for the privileged few ? it is a human right for all. The Principal, Mr. Soares Ribeiro, is contributing to peace and stability by helping to educate responsible, educated and participative citizens. He once said that part of learning ?is to encourage the children to be active players?. This is the philosophy I want to share with the world.
I count on all of you, and especially the students here, to build a better future by putting education first.
* *** *
Fonte: UN