Reading is Crucial for Learning

Ambassador Tony Garza, as well as NBA basketball players Kenyon Martin of the New Jersey Nets and Baron Davies of the New Orleans Hornets, participated in a ceremony to present "Reading for Success," a program to promote reading among elementary school students at the Benito Juarez Elementary Public School in Colonia Roma, Mexico City.

Ambassador Garza spoke to the elementary pupils attending the event, as well as teachers, and school officials. He told the children: "Through reading programs, every one of you will have the basic tools necessary to learn, and the desire to continue learning at higher levels. So I also hope you'll share with each other all the things you learn by reading. Tell a friend about a great book you've read. Talk with your families about the stories you like."

"Reading for Success" is similar to the "Ready to Read, Ready to Learn" program carried out by First Lady Laura Bush - a former public school teacher - designed to highlight successful early childhood programs and focused on recruiting and preparing teachers to help students achieve.