Global Education

Malala Day: Promoting Global Education

By The Editors

Malala Day will be held on her 16th birthday, July 12.  Malala, the youngest nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize in history, was shot in the head in October 2012 because of her fight for girls’ right to an education. Malala has been featured in Time magazine as one of “The 100 Most Influential People In The World”.

Former British Prime Minister and current United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education Gordon Brown launched one of the petitions in Malala’s name demanding that all children worldwide be in school by the end of 2015.  Other petitions were for her nomination to the Nobel Peace Prize. Three million global citizens signed the petitions.

On Malala Day, young leaders from around the world will convene in New York at the United Nations to speak out for education as part of a special youth assembly organized by the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Global Education in collaboration with the President of the UN General Assembly. The session will be held by Malala and participants will present their call for action on global education — to reach the goal of education for all by 2015 — to the United Nations.

The Youth Advocacy Group of the Global Education First Initiative is soliciting global youth input on the draft of the outcomes document entitled, “The Youth Resolution: The Education We Want.”  The draft document was posted and distributed online yesterday (June 3) and will be open for public comments until June 14.

You can find the document on www.facebook.com/aworlatschoolhttp://www.worldwewant2015.org/education2015 and www.aworldatschool.org/malaladay.

Please consider contributing to this important document.

10 Comments

  • jgunn5

    When I first found out about Malala Yousafzai’s story and heard her speaking after the attack, my eyes literally began to tear up. While she was in the hospital I would check every few days to see if she had made it through the night. Her coming up 16th birthday marks Malala Day, July 12th, this is a very important initiative so for all of those people who are always asking about how they can help, this is one of the most prominent times to do so!

  • Nisha Hudda

    It is truly inspiring to know that a girl in the 7th grade started blogging for BBC about her life as a girl in the terrible area in Pakistan. It is so sad that terrorist basically rule the area, I don’t understand where the government comes in to help the area. Education is very important, and in the United States, we take it for granted because it is free and given to us. The only education that is not free is before kindergarten or private education. A young teenager stood up for the rights of education for girls, and was shot because of the shot. I am happy that she is being honored and being recognized for her courageous fight for education. It is very sad but most countries charge for tuition from kindergarten through college, but what’s more sad is that some countries or regions do not allow education for girls all together. I really hope that this session reaches education for at least till the year 2015. This is a small term goal but if this small term goal will be accomplished than larger goals can be followed.

  • bcastro3

    When I first heard about Malala’s story, I was truly touched. My heart literally hurt at the thought of such a young girl not many years younger than myself being shot point blank just because she believed she had the right to a proper education. I was reading on CNN that her voice is now stronger than ever and I think that’s awesome. She literally had the words to move a nation and that’s exactly what she did. Education is an opportunity every individual deserves regardless of gender.

  • Robbie A

    It would be interesting to know what students think of the document entitled, “The Youth Resolution: The Education We Want.” According to the post, the document will be available on line for comments until June 14. May be students reading this post can tell the other readers what they think of the document?

    • ErinnGoBragh

      This document clearly state where we are at and where we need to be when it comes to education. I think most people will agree when I say that the education we receive shapes who we are and what we become. Without an education, there is no progress.
      I come from a long line of high school teachers, so I understand the importance of a proper education and how hard it can be for some kids, at least in the United States, to receive one. My mom barely makes a living teaching at an inner city high school in Chicago. She was even attacked by one of her students, but when she recovered, she went right back to school and continued teaching without giving it a thought because teaching is her life, and I think she would be lost anywhere else but in a classroom. We need more teachers like my mom in the world. Children need teachers who are intelligent, passionate, and are willing to dedicate their lives preparing their students to succeed in this world.
      Education is the first step in solving any of the world’s problems. That is why I plan on joining the Peace Corps. next year and travel to Sub-Saharan Africa to work with local communities to educate the youth about healthy lifestyles and skills, specifically dealing with HIV/AIDS.
      Education is not a privilege, but a right and I think the leaders of this world need to focus more of their energy and resources on this issue.

  • cns2392

    It’s sad that so often those that make the biggest differences endure such suffering. Malala was an inspiration in her community, and her legacy will be an inspiration globally for years to come. I agree that many of us take education for granted. We don’t realize how unbelievably blessed we are to have access to not just education, but as much education as we possibly want. Having the willpower and dedication to educate yourself, as Malala did, is one of the most respectable accomplishes and deserves recognition.

  • awilliams199

    Wow this Malala is truly amazing and is an inspiration to many young women around the world. Her unique story shows how strength and courage can influence change to occur. Often times I take school for granted but her story has showed me that I am privileged with the opportunity to receive an education. It is important for people to have the opportunity to have and education. Having an education allows you to see the world differently, gain insight on new perspectives and also allows individuals to understand the concept of global competence. Collectively educated people can collaborate on ways to solve and prevent many global issues. As for Malala who is currently attending classes in Birmingham, England I truly hope that one day she can return to her country and continue to raise awareness about female education in
    Pakistan.

  • nicole_v23

    Malala’s story is one that has both directly and indirectly affected the lives of many including myself. I remember when I first read her story on CNN I was honestly heartbroken. This girl who was only 5 years younger than me was maliciously executed on a school bus. She had dreams of becoming a doctor and in order to do so she needed proper education which she also deserved. She fought for her rights and paid the ultimate consequence, which was devastatingly her life. She made a difference in the world at an age before most people even begin to realize who they are and what they stand for.

  • Haley M

    I agree. Too many students in the U.S take education for granted because we do not have to fight for it and we are not denied an education. Malala stood up for something and it brings me great joy that she survived her injury, continues to strive for education while on her sick bed, and is being recognized for ambition. She has set the stage for other young children to realize that they have a voice and they too can make a difference. Way to go Malala!

  • Nadouna

    This absolutely touched my heart. Malala must be such an inspiration for many girls in Pakistan. This article on CNN: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/11/10/world/asia/pakistan-malala-one-month shows her journey from near death to recovery. As I was reading, it said Malala requested the hospital to bring her school books to her room after her recovery therefore she can study for her exams when she gets back to Pakistan. This little girl is all about education and there are many kids out there who would love to have the opportunity to be able to go to school. Many kids in the US drop out of high school at the age of 16 when other kids in the world are risking their lives to stand up for themselves to be able to have an education. This girl has promoted global education in many ways and I’m glad there’s going to be a Malala Day!

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