For Immediate Release
Office of the First Lady
February 20, 2008

Mrs. Bush's Statement at Library Dedication
Mallam D/A Primary School
Accra, Ghana

10:18 A.M. (Local)

MRS. BUSH: Thank you very much. Thank you very much, Mrs. Kufuor. This is my second trip to Ghana, and Ghana does have a special place in my heart. And you know what else? I was a school teacher and a librarian, so visiting schools is my favorite thing to do. And I've visited schools all over the United States of America, and I've visited schools all over the world. And I'm so happy to be here at your school today.

What Mrs. Kufuor said is so correct. Have you ever thought that the habits you make right now are the habits you'll have for the rest of your life? And that if you make a good habit of reading, that you'll be -- you'll have a book, a friend, by your side for the rest of your life? People who can read are at a huge advantage. You can do well in school if you're a good reader. You can get good jobs when you grow up if you're a good reader.

So I'm especially happy to be here today when we open this reading hut that's behind us, and I'm very happy that the people of the United States were some of the people who helped supply your reading hut with good books, and who have helped in your school with equal the education quality for all.

So thank you all so much, boys and girls. Thank you for letting me be here with you. Thank you, Mr. Minister. I think this is part of the parent-teacher association that we see over here. Thank you to the parents. Thank you for inspiring and encouraging your children to become good readers.

Thank you very much, Mrs. Kufuor. (Applause.)

END 10:20 A.M. (Local)