Gov. Gen. Jean wows Brazilian students
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
SALVADOR, Brazil - Starry-eyed Brazilian students, who view Canada as a model of First World living, gushed with praise over Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean's personal history and that of the country she represents.
"Your life is very admired here, and it inspires us to also seek a path in life that is admirable," said one female student to Jean, who was born in Haiti and fled to Canada.
On the relations between the two nations, Jean remarked, "Brazil is far, geographically, from Canada, but we're very close in what we have in common. We stress using culture as a tool to discuss citizenhood, we value cultural diversity, and cherish the environment."
The Governor General's visit to the Federal University of Bahia is the last stop in this culturally opulent part of Brazil, which is marked by a strong African heritage.