While many Americans spent Sept. 11 attending remembrance ceremonies and vigils, professor Lynn Staley traveled to New York as an educator concerned about the children of the world.
"When we invest in children, we invest in our future" Staley said.
Staley, who teaches in the department of elementary education, participated in a conference for the United Nations called "Rebuilding Societies Emerging from Conflict: A Shared Responsibility."
As a member of the Association for Childhood Education International for the past eight years, Staley serves on the board's public affairs committee.
While at the conference, Staley said she attended several panels of experts who view quality education as a priority in America.
"When families in devastating conditions are asked what their priorities are, it's not food or water - it's education," Staley said. "They see it as hope and the future. They want to give priority to teachers and educators."
Staley said it is important not to view such a problem as an international issue in which Americans can do little to help. Instead, Staley encourages people to look for ways to raise education awareness at a more local level.
"Our faculty and students need to be aware of other children across the world," she said. "When we look at rebuilding society, we need to look at the children first, they are the hope for the future."
Staley outlined methods she hoped would decrease child suffering around the world. She said the first step is to gain information about the issue. The second step is to spread information.
"Many are not informed of the problems around the world," Staley said. "Most know that (people) are hungry, but they are also in need of clean water.
"When a person becomes aware of such a piece of information, pass that information along."
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
