Malala Yousafzai: Her fight for Education

On October 12th Malala was shot by Taliban terrorist for speaking up for girls right to an education. Ever since I heard of her plight I admired her strength and convictions.  Her goal for a right to an education gave me hope. However it also filled me with sadness. There are people dying for the right to education, yet many in our Western society have taken education for granted and do not take advantage of what it can offer.

I am a strong believer in education's power to give people freedom and choices.  It changed my life and has given me access to things that wouldn't have been within my reach.

Her speech to the United Nations is both moving and inspiring.  It is a miracle that she survived the attack and I am thankful that it has given her the strength to continue her campaign for compulsory education for every child. 

It is a thought provoking speech that moves you to analyze all the power of one person and the power of education.  Here is a direct quote from her speech:

"They thought that the bullet would silence us, but they failed...out of that silence came thousands of voices.  The terrorists thought that they would change my aim and curve my ambitions.  But nothing changed in my life except this: Weakness, fear and hopelessness died. Strength, power and courage were born."

Watching her speech I can't believe that she is only 16.  The peace and strength in her voice reminded me of Gandhi and Mandela.  May God protect her and may her dream come true.


Malala Yousafzai Full Speech on BBC

Timeline of Malala's Journey

Malala's Blog on BBC

Malala's Fund at Vital Voices