Press Releases

WASHINGTON, DC — Sister Cities International responded to Jay Mathews' April 22, 2010 Washington Post article that discounts the effectiveness of foreign language education in America's schools. Sister Cities International strongly believes that global education that includes foreign language proficiency is vital to create citizens and future leaders with a cultural competency and develops a competitive workforce in the global economy.

Sister Cities International supports the National Education Association's Policy Brief on Global Competence released on April 7, 2010 that recommends public schools deliver global education through an increase in foreign language courses. For the FY10 Federal Budget, the Obama Administration dedicated $26.928 million to the Foreign Language Assistance Program to, "…enable successful students to advance from elementary school through college to achieve a superior level of proficiency in those languages."

"Suggesting that foreign language education is a waste casts the next generation into the "Arrogant America" role," says Patrick Madden, president and CEO, Sister, Cities International.

Sister Cities International believes that if students are not getting the skills they need to develop foreign languages skills, local school districts should collaborate with cultural and educational organizations like sister cities to augment a curriculum for American's youth. "An American population committed to leadership around the world will take a range of professional skills and talents which include global competency and global education," said Madden.

Local sister city programs Gastonia, North Carolina and Fresno, California that have worked in cooperation with their local school districts to provide language immersion and study abroad programs to increase the proficiency of area youth.

MEDIA CONTACT: Frances Reimers, 202.347.8630 x8251 or freimers@sister-cities.org

About Sister Cities International
Sister Cities International facilitates nearly 2,000 partnerships in 136 counties on six continents between 600 communities in the Unites States with similar municipalities abroad. Sister Cities International represent citizen diplomats who work tirelessly to promote the organizations' mission of creating world peace and cultural understanding through economic and sustainable development programs, youth and education projects, arts and culture, as well as humanitarian assistance. Facebook: Sister Cities International; Twitter: @SisterCityIntl.