"We are committed to making education a centerpiece of our economic agenda – because learning and literacy are the foundations for development and democracy."

President George W. Bush, 2001 Summit of the Americas

In 2001, at the Summit of the Americas, President George W. Bush pledged to help improve the quality of education in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC).  To fulfill his pledge, President Bush announced his support for the Centers of Excellence for Teacher Training, a Presidential Initiative to improve the reading and writing skills of children across the hemisphere. The CETT initiative reflects President Bush’s personal commitment to making reading for all children possible in the LAC region, and seeks to energize and rally support towards that goal.

Mrs. Bush Advocates CETT

First Lady Laura Bush shares the President’s commitment to improve literacy.  In a letter to CETT, she writes: "President Bush and I strongly support your goal of improving the reading skills of children at the earliest grade levels. Learning to read is the cornerstone of success in school and in life. We are also grateful to the companies, foundations, faith-based organizations and individuals who are contributing to this worthwhile program."

Read Mrs. Bush's letter >>

Letters to President and Mrs. Bush

President and Mrs. Bush’s support for the CETT program has made such a difference in St. Lucia – providing much-needed books and learning tools – that young children throughout its primary schools have expressed their thanks through a series of letters to President and Mrs Bush.

Letters to President and Mrs. Bush >>