EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

January marked the 10th anniversary of Education International (EI). The largest federation of teacher trade unions, EI promotes democracy, human rights and basic social services for people around the world. "For our children, we continue to fight for free, quality public education, to which all of them have a right," EI says. "We also seek to eliminate all forms of discrimination and inequality on the basis of gender, race, religion, ethnicity or sexual orientation."

Since its inception, EI has sought to protect trade union rights for teachers and education personnel. It has fought for better conditions for educators in places as wide-ranging as Kosovo, Ethiopia and Colombia. The federation also has worked on behalf of African teachers in efforts to reduce poverty and in combating HIV/AIDS.

With its affiliates and other partners, EI has launched the "Global Campaign for Education" to achieve the Education for All goals established by 185 governments during the World Forum on Education in Dakar, Senegal, in April 2000.

A free, quality education is "a prime responsibility of all governments," EI states. "Education is one of the key factors in the eradication of poverty and the cornerstone of freedom, democracy and sustainable human development."

AFT president Sandra Feldman is a vice president of Education International, which has 311 affiliates, 25 million members and a presence in 159 countries.

HISPANICS SURVEYED ON EDUCATION, OTHER ISSUES

Hispanics, like most Americans, consider a good education essential to success in this country. A survey undertaken by People En Espa–ol magazine and the AOL Time Warner Foundation found that 87 percent of Hispanic respondents agreed with the statement "education is the key to my child's success." Sixty-four percent (compared to 31 percent of non-Hispanic respondents) said they "wish they could have stayed in school longer."

The nationwide survey compared the views of Hispanics and non-Hispanics. On some key national and public policy issues, there are huge gaps between the two groups. Eighty-one percent of Hispanics (versus 35 percent of non-Hispanics) rated "child care assistance" as extremely or very important. And 74 percent of Hispanics considered after-school programs important, while only 39 percent of non-Hispanics shared that view.

The study also shows that Hispanics continue to strongly embrace their heritage and identity as they become an increasing force in American life. Ninety-five percent of Hispanic respondents back bilingual education, 69 percent said they speak Spanish at home, and 62 percent said they prefer speaking Spanish to English.

"Hispanics are such a strong and influential community that it's essential for us to better understand the values that they hold dear," says AOL Time Warner Foundation president Kathy Bushkin. "And it's clear from the study that Hispanics are holding fast to their traditions while working for a successful future for their children."

Other survey findings include:

• Fifty-seven percent of Hispanic respondents said they have health insurance versus 86 percent of non-Hispanics.

• Fifty percent of Hispanics surveyed own a computer compared to 71 percent of non-Hispanics.

• Thirty-one percent of Hispanic respondents have Internet access versus 52 percent of non-Hispanics.

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