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Mrs. Judi Marquardt Speech

Combat Child Labor Day - June 13, 06

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, members of the Cameroonian government and my fellow diplomatic corps colleagues.

Thank you for taking the time out of you busy schedules to join us for this important day.  We are truly excited about this pioneer event, and hope you have enjoyed your afternoon thus far.  In a few minutes you will begin to see how talented and creative these young people are.

Every time I have visited one of these associations, I have come away with a sense of awe at how much can be done with so little, when you put your mind and heart to it and are given a little encouragement.

Aux enfants et aux associations qui participent a cet evenement unique, je vous félicite de votre enthousiasme, de votre dévouement et de votre perséverance.

Merci d’avoir accepter de nous suivre dans ce projet, d’avoir joué le jeu, d’avoir tout simplement cru que ca pouvait marcher.

Cette journée de mobilisation en faveur des enfants victimes de la traite ou du travail des enfants, et deja un franc succès. On en parle non seulement a Yaoundé, mais aussi a Washington, a Genève et a Paris.  Nos collegues nous regardent, mais surtout vous regardent, pour pouvoir, peut- etre, se lancer dans une aventure similiare l’année prochaine.

Chers enfants, n’oubliez pas qu’a travers le monde, il a des personnes qui croient en vous, qui reconnaissent votre talent et savent que vous avez la determination et le volonté de réussir.  Ne les decevez pas. 

L’aventure qui nous réunis aujourd’hui ne s’acheve pas ce soir apres le cocktail, mais plutot débute ce soir. A vous de saisir la chance qui vous est offerte.

These children, helped by their mentors have worked so hard to make this event a success.  We are proud of them, and encourage them to continue to work hard, be creative and thus ensure their future is bright. 

By being here today you have shown them that you care, you understand where they come from but perhaps more importantly how far they can go if they are given a chance.   Thank you for your support.

We hope you have enjoyed your afternoon so far. 

Sit back, relax and enjoy the wonderful fashion show that is about to begin.