The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Al Hawkins, Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development:

Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to recognize International Education Week, November 12 -16.

International Education Week is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide. With more than 100 countries from around the world celebrating the week, it is an opportunity to recognize awareness and understanding of international education through a variety of activities and events undertaken by government, educational institutions, stakeholder groups, and individuals.

International education is expansive, global and cross cultural. It’s the exchange of language, culture, ideas and a celebration of these exchanges.

The number of international students in our province has increased significantly in the past 10 years, and their contribution to our social, cultural, and economic success is immeasurable. When we work together with other countries, we all benefit.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage the participation of all individuals and institutions interested in international education and exchange activities, including schools, colleges and universities and organizations. They can use Holy Heart High School as an example, which last year saw students representing 62 countries parading with flags from their home countries. This was a great demonstration of the growing diversity in the province.

I ask all Honourable members to join me in celebrating International Education Week. With a world of information to explore, the opportunity for education never ends.

Thank you.