Speech by Maud de Boer-Buquicchio,
Deputy Secretary General

Presentation of book donation
to the European School Strasbourg,
10 June 2011

Dear Director, teachers, parents, but first and foremost, dear children,

I am happy to visit you again at the European School Library. You have worked hard I know! The school has also worked hard, but perhaps the librarian Ms Siscaro has worked the most.

The library is a magic place with stories from all over the world. All schools must have a library. And all children must go to the library! To read, learn and laugh.

This year the Library Initiative chose to focus on science. The European school’s integrated approach to sciences starts early and is designed firstly to capture the interest of the pupils, and secondly to present subject-specific themes and basic techniques in a way that encourages and develops scientific understanding.
Technology has become an important part of our society and is fundamental to functioning successfully in today’s information and knowledge-based society. It is part of the world of all our young people, but can also bring dangers to children. Learning in a safe school environment is the best place to start. The Council of Europe has worked on ensuring a safe use of the Internet for children, in particular through the “Wild Web Woods” project, an on-line game which you can find on our website.

I am happy to see huge improvements with regard to computers in classrooms thanks to the Council of Europe’s donation of well over 50 computers.

But computers on their own are nothing but machines, so I am delighted to hear that you have skilled volunteer parents who give up their time and provide the necessary technical backup and continuous support to teachers and pupils.

This co-operation between the Council of Europe, Permanent Representations, the Amicale, parents and the school is a wonderful example of how we can work together to achieve the European school’s goals.

Children, Strasbourg is an international community because your mothers and fathers come from all over the world to live here. Strasbourg is a fun and a better place because you are here. I hope that you will enjoy your years at the European School and read many interesting books!

Thank you.