On October 9, 2012 the Pakistani Taliban shot 15 year old Malala Yousafzai in the head. She was on her school bus.
On April 14, 2014 Boko Haram, an Islamic terrorist organization, kidnapped 276 female students in Nigeria.
On December 15, 2014 the Pakistani Taliban killed 141 people (132 of them children) in a school in Peshawar.
Terrorists understand that education corrodes extremism.
Terrorists understand that education is the most powerful force to transform society.
That’s why they keep attacking schools and school children.
It is unthinkable and utterly disturbing.
In a New York Times piece, What’s So Scary About Smart Girls? Nicholas Kristof writes, “When terrorists in Nigeria organized a secret attack last month, they didn’t target an army barracks, a police department or a drone base. No, Boko Haram militants attacked what is even scarier to a fanatic: a girl’s school. That’s what extremists do. They target educated girls, their worst nightmare.”
In a more recent essay, Kristof states, “I’ve concluded that education may be the single best way to help people help themselves.”
So what’s my point?
Is it that…
A. American leaders should know this too and should invest more in education both domestically and overseas?
B. Individuals will find power in getting educated?
C. Parents must educate their children?
D. All of the above.
Malala Yousafzai miraculously survived and is now an activist who speaks on the rights of children. She brought worldwide attention to the mission: BRING BACK OUR GIRLS after the kidnappings in Nigeria.
Sometimes, I feel helpless because it seems there is little I can do.
But in an effort to be a part, albeit a small part, of the solution, I support Room to Read, an organization that envisions a world in which all children can pursue a quality education, reach their full potential and contribute to their community and the world.
It has been said that the most influential of all educational factors is the conversation in a child’s home.
What’s the conversation at your house?
A chilling piece with a biting ending (loved it)!
Thanks for your comment Pam. As a fellow teacher and parent you know the pleasure of teachingand the gift of an education. Always love hearing from you!
Great piece Corie! Wish my parents valued the importance of education 54 years ago raising me– or myself, 30 years ago with my own children. It’s never too late.
Susan- I know what was happening at your family dinner table the last 30 years. Your openess, honesty and love were the finest education.
Thank you!!!There is no substitute for that:)
When Malala Yousafzai won the Nobel Peace Prize, I shared an article about her with my 3rd graders. Both the boys and girls in my class were inspired by her bravery and able to gain some perspective on how lucky they actually are to be able not only to have an education, but to have the freedom to attend a private, religious school. That night I made a small donation to the Malala Fund, which I shared with my students the next day. I too believe that together, we can make a difference!
Your students are lucky to have you as their teacher.