[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 25917]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



         ``CUBA FOR KIDS'' TEACHES CHILDREN ABOUT CUBAN HISTORY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 1, 2000

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, on November 12, 2000 the Cuba for Kids 
Foundation will celebrate the official launch of ``Cuba for Kids,'' a 
bilingual book dedicated to stimulating in children an interest in Cuba 
and Cuban history.
  ``Cuba for Kids'' is a children's book which explains some of Cuba's 
most significant historical periods, teaches important historical 
lessons, and recounts many of the unique social and political figures 
in Cuban history.
  Unveiled by the non-profit Cuba for Kids Foundation, ``Cuba for 
Kids'' is the product of a collaboration by noted scholars, 
psychologists, and social workers, including Dr. Jaime Suchlicki, 
Director of the University of Miami's Institute of Cuban and Cuban-
American studies.
  Founded by a group of young professionals and led by Dr. Ismael 
Roque-Velasco, author of ``Cuba for Kids,'' the Cuba for Kids 
Foundation is dedicated to promoting Cuban heritage, and arousing in 
younger generations an interest and appreciation of Cuban culture and 
history.
  As a former school administrator, and the mother of two school age 
girls, I am hopeful that parents, grandparents, and teachers will find 
``Cuba for Kids'' a useful tool in making Cuba's dynamic culture and 
history accessible to children.
  Noted artists including actor Andy Garcia, and musicians Gloria and 
Emilio Estefan have described ``Cuba for Kids'' as an essential 
document in educating our children on Cuba's beautiful heritage, as 
well as a beautiful way to keep Cuba and its history alive in the 
hearts of children.
  I wish to add my voice to those community leaders in Miami such as 
Jon Secada, Christina Saralegui, Celia Cruz, and Arturo Sandoval who 
are taking part in the ceremonial launching of ``Cuba for Kids.''
  I also wish to specifically congratulate Dr. Ismael Roque-Velasco, 
and men and women at the Cuba for Kids Foundation, on the release of 
this wonderful new book.

                          ____________________