Harlem Children’s Zone President and CEO Geoffrey Canada is in Little Rock today to give a lecture titled, “Saving the World – One Child at a Time,” sponsored by a number of organizations including Arkansas Children’s Hospital, HIPPY Arkansas and the Division of Child Care and Early Childhood Education.
Prior to his speech this afternoon, Canada visited Sturgis Hall for a reception and press conference. Several Clinton School students had the opportunity to meet Canada and attend his lecture.
In brief remarks at the reception, Canada said he was honored to be at the Clinton School and offered advice to the students in attendance.
“Don’t get into public service if you want people to love you,” he said. “Do it because it is the right thing to do and it is needed.”
Canada’s 20-plus years with the Harlem Children’s Zone have made him a nationally recognized leader in children’s advocacy and education reform. His Harlem Children’s Zone Project in Central Harlem offers a comprehensive range of services to children and families within a 100-block area.
Since it’s launch in 1997 the project has served more than 10,000 children with the ambitious goal for all of the children to complete their college education.
In his remarks at the Clinton School, Canada encourages community leaders to be as ambitious as he has been in serving at-risk children. He said lots of people can make excuses but “it will only happen if the focus is completely on the children.