I can say it is an uplifting experience to see excitement in the eyes of these children as they learn to read and write. To date, U.S.-funded IPEC projects have provided over 120,000 children in developing countries around the world with educational opportunities they would not have otherwise had. This is something we can truly be proud of. But more needs to be done. As Secretary Herman mentioned, today we are releasing the sixth DOL report on child labor, which confirms the importance of education for future economic development.
Children are better off over the course of a lifetime if they go to school.
Better educated kids grow into more productive and better paid adult workers. In fact, I believe the single most important feature, institution or practice of developing nations that inhibits their economic growth, inhibits their social growth, is the use and practice of abusive child labor. And finally, I would like to note another significant milestone in the United States' effort to fight abusive and exploitative child labor. Tomorrow, in a White House ceremony, President Clinton will sign into law the Africa-Caribbean Trade bill. For the first time, U.S. trade law will codify mandatory provisions on combating the worst forms of child labor for countries benefitting from US trade preferences.