Malala’s Desire to Learn Shames Our Schools

Education empowers individuals and their societies. When she was 15, Malala Yousafzai was shot in the head by Taliban extremists while traveling between school and home in Pakistan. She recovered from her wounds in England and has since been a determined global voice about education as a source of power and a right for all. She describes her lessons and the ability to read, write, calculate, and think for one’s self as a “precious gift.” Yousafzai was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, but did not win. That honor was given to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. Still the young girl’s story inspires millions around the globe. Alison Pearson, writing for the Telegraph, ponders the source of motivation and offers a few quick criticisms on discipline in schools, discriminatory practices and test scores. Pearson urges policymakers, parents and schools to convince all, in developing nations or the wealthiest, that education is the basis for any endeavor and should never be taken for granted. – YaleGlobal