Mr. Chairman, children are the keys to our future and our best hope for change in society. Born with a clean slate, they are not burdened at birth with prejudice and intolerance. If taught properly, they will grow up to be more tolerant adults than their parents may be. Sadly, they are born into a world where bias, prejudice and hatred can diminish their future. If they look around and see discrimination and hatred, they learn those habits.
Education is crucial for children to develop a sense of tolerance and respect for others.
Self-esteem should be the birthright of every child, but can only be developed when the child believes that she or he has the same chance for success as others. We must remove barriers to achievement and ensure equal access to a quality education for children of every background. A child that does not learn to read is almost surely doomed to failure. In my state we have schools with children from such diverse backgrounds that as many as twenty-five different primary languages are spoken. These children have special needs as do children with disabilities.