Written for the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna
Ladies and gentlemen,
Dear students,
It is so inspiring to be here, at Dream today. I want to thank everyone who made it possible for me and my team to visit; discover this elegant space; and learn about the projects that Dream has for the future, which are bold and bright.
I have so much admiration for Dream: From what I have learned, the organization started as a youth development program in East Harlem in the 1990s. It went on to found several charter schools in East Harlem and the South Bronx that have been a great success, helping thousands of young people recognize their potential and achieve their personal goals.
It is a privilege to see firsthand the latest dream that Dream has helped make come true: This 188,000 square foot former warehouse that has been transformed into a place for young people to learn and thrive. A school that is not only magnificent to see, with its lofty ceilings, sky-high windows, and seemingly endless space, but that has state-of-the-art gymnasiums, libraries and laboratories.
Sir David Adjaye, who designed the school, has brought back the full splendor of this industrial building, which was first erected in the 1930s –A decade when Art Deco was all the vogue among New York architects and they created some of the city’s most enduring landmarks, such as the Chrysler and the Empire State buildings.
From what I understand, when Sir David Adjaye undertook the project, he had a central premise: that place matters, and that children who learn and grow in a special environment like this one will have a freer imagination, a broader sense of possibility, and a greater willingness to challenge themselves.
Walking through these light-filled rooms, I cannot help but see the wisdom in this proposition. I look forward to meeting the next Tony Parkers, Nobel Prize winners, teachers, environmentalists and upstanding citizens among you.
I also look forward to continuing the visit and seeing the rest of this magnificent site.
But first, let me tell you the other reason I am excited to be here today: It is that Dream has a partnership with one of France’s most important sports associations. For more than fifteen years, Dream has teamed up with ‘Sport dans la Ville,’ an association that manages after-school programs for more than 7,000 children in cities and towns across France. The partnership between Dream and Sport dans la Ville has made it possible for hundreds of young people from underprivileged neighborhoods in Paris, Marseille and New York to study in each other’s schools, practice sports in each other’s clubs, learn about a different culture, and make new friends – des nouveaux amis.
Like Dream, Sport Dans la Ville believes that sports have benefits that go well beyond what they can do for the body. While it recognizes that children who take part in sporting activities tend to be more physically active and healthy, it also understands that children who take part in these activities learn values that can help them in many other aspects of their lives too.
Perseverance, a team spirit, a powerful sense of commitment to one’s goals: these are all attitudes that we cultivate when we practice sports. They are what enable us to win competitions, beat the opposite team, and keep improving our performances.
But these same values are also invaluable when we grow up, because they make it possible for us to overcome setbacks, advance in our professional careers, and realize our personal vision of success.
So it fills me with delight to see the partnership between Dream and Sport dans la Ville thrive and grow. This partnership helps our children develop the attitudes and outlook they need to keep reaching their goals, while also broadening their horizons and opening up new worlds.
And now let’s continue the tour. I am eager to meet you, the students at the heart of this exciting adventure and to hear about your dreams.
