Queen Rania: Teaching is the noblest profession
CHICAGO – Speaking to a full house of educators at the opening general session of the International Reading Association’s 55th Annual Convention in Chicago, Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan said teaching was her favourite profession and the “most noble profession.”
The queen spoke simply and with heartfelt eloquence about what literacy means and the important role teachers have in moulding life.
“The future is in your hands. You can be that one person who brings out the greatness in a child,” she said.
Queen Rania serves as the Eminent Advocate for Children for UNICEF and the global chair of the United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative, working for broader access to schools and higher quality education for all children, especially girls. The queen, who is co-author with Kelly DiPucchio of the new children's book The Sandwich Swap, told how their story of two girls who trade their peanut butter and jelly and hummus sandwiches, is based on her own childhood experience. The gooey purple jelly looked unappealing but turned out to be quite tasty, she said.
This story tied in well with her overarching message about the importance of fostering cross-cultural literacy.
“To be successful today, a global perspective is necessary,” said Queen Rania who has four children. “Mothers can see the importance of different experiences and help their children develop the habit of an open mind.”
Known as the Tech Queen, she uses the latest in social media, including her own website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, to reach out to literacy and education advocates around the globe.
A new initiative of hers, timed with the World Cup this year in South Africa, is 1Goal—Education for All. The online petition drive is designed to make political leaders understand that the lack of universal literacy and education is a humanitarian crisis for the 75 million children who still are out of school.
“In Sudan a young girl is more likely to die giving birth than to have a primary education.”
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Source: International Reading Association
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