Today we mark the United Nation’s International Day of Education, a moment to recognize the extraordinary, transformative power of education to deliver opportunity and hope to all.
I have experienced this truth first hand. My husband and I were expelled from our native Uganda in the 1970’s, along with all citizens of South Asian descent, under the regime of President Idi Amin. The goal was to take away everything of material value but no one could steal our most precious resource…our education. It carried us to Canada and to welcome opportunities to be of service in a country we are deeply proud to call home. I know that countless others share our story, and everyone’s life is made better by the possibilities that education provides.
As Her Majesty the Queen’s representative in Alberta, I offer my heartfelt thanks to the hardworking educators, support staff and administrators across the province who are dedicated to sharing the lifechanging power of education with people of all ages. I also would like to recognize the caring volunteers and community leaders who work to build educational supports for people in need around the world. Together we can continue to foster understanding, tolerance and greater opportunity for all through education.
Her Honour, the Honourable Salma Lakhani AOE, B.Sc., Lieutenant Governor of Alberta
January 24, 2021