Obama Inspires Children Across Globe

JERUSALEM, Jan. 21, 2009— -- From the Far East to the Middle East, words like "peace," "democracy" and "friendship" are ringing through the halls of schools and down city streets.

Children from Barack Obama's one-time elementary school in Indonesia, his father's home in Kenya and everywhere in between are expressing hope and fascination with the new American president.

"He's so great," said Irfan Kusdhany, 10, who currently attends Obama's former elementary school in Indonesia. "He can change the world and make world peace."

"He is prestigious, peaceful and he wants to change America," a child in Kenya told ABC News.

No matter where they're from or how young they are, children who have no link to Obama have caught on to the Obama phenomenon and been captivated.

"I think Barack Obama is really cool," said Sara Hajeri, a 12-year-old from Dubai. "I like that he's interested in giving peace to the world."

During Obama's campaign, the phenomenon began to take hold. Three young black girls, all younger than 8, were seen skipping through London's Notting Hill neighborhood singing "Barack Obama, Barack Obama," with bright eyes and big smiles on their faces.

From there, a familiar campaign theme went global. Though they speak different languages, children from Italy, France and South Korea all chanted the same refrain: "Yes We Can."

President Obama's appeal stretches around the globe, in part because he's international himself. So many children can see part of themselves in him. His ascent to the presidency has taught kids worldwide lessons about freedom, equality and tolerance.

"No one's better than anyone; we're all the same," said Dara Jorallah, a 13-year-old from the West Bank. "We shouldn't discriminate against anyone. We should give chances, even if we look different."

Children, who are now growing up in a world where a black man can become the most powerful global leader, are taking away lessons.

"Any person in the whole world can make it, can do it," said 11-year-old Danad Afaneh, from the West Bank. "Not only the white people, the rich people, because he was poor when he was young and now he's the president."

Children Share Hope for Obama to End War

Children in Israel, Gaza and Pakistan shared hope that the new president will bring lasting peace and re-shape misconceptions about their people.

"We hope he will be fair to the Palestinian people," one Gazan said. "And prevent Israel from attacking us."

"He can make the citizens of the U.S. recognize that ... not all Muslims are terrorists and not all terrorists are Muslim," said Mohammad Arshed Khawaja, 13, of Pakistan.

As President Obama gathers with his top advisors to discus proposals to get out of Iraq, the world's children are aware of his campaign promise to withdraw troops.

"I think he may stop war in Iraq -- at least I hope he will," said Amelie Matisse, from Paris.

And wherever ABC News went, children spoke about how Obama's election renewed their hope in the American dream.

"This shows that America is the land where everybody has a chance to be something important," said Afaneh, 11, of the West Bank.

Children as far as the West Bank say that Obama has inspired them in their own lives.

"He gave me hope that I can do stuff and that I shouldn't give up -- even if I'm here living in Palestine," said Ramzi Khalaf, 11. "I can do anything. I can be president. I can be an important person in the world."