I am reading I Am Malala which is the story of a girl from Swat Valley, Pakistan. As she grows up, the Taliban, a terrorist group, begin to control and oppress Pakistan, mostly focusing on the end of women's education. Malala's father is the owner of a girls' school and speaks out against the Taliban with Malala soon following in his footsteps. After a few years of rebellion against Taliban ways, they shoot Malala in the head at point-blank range, hoping to silence her, and set an example for others. The memoir follows her life before and after and how she used it (her injury) to further her cause.
The central idea that Malala passes onto her readers is that education is important. But as you read the novel the idea of education blooms into the idea that education is important but out of reach to millions. This idea is apparent all over the world, and applies to many others besides just Malala. An article from The Washington Post went into detail about college drop out rates, stating, “For many, the socioeconomic barriers become insurmountable. Only a fraction claim their diploma: The six-year graduation rate is 31 percent”. While many people think that the middle-east is the only one struggling with education, many Americans are struggling with the finances.
Financing problems may not be the same as Taliban officials oppressing education, but it still limits how far people can go in life. Malala stood up for education in Pakistan and Americans are pulling their own weight when it comes to their future. People all over the world suffer from lack of education, whether it be from financial problems or school being forbidden. Malala is just one beacon of hope in the eyes of these people.
Malala is an inspiration to many, at only 17 she has understood the importance of schooling and dreamed it be available to all one day. Using medians such as a radio show, she urged students to do whatever they have to, in order to earn the education they deserve. Malala even goes as far as to say, “Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow. Education is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human.” Her protests have already gained many girls all over the world access to education, and she continues pursuing these goals to this very day.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/storyline/wp/2014/10/20/why-poor-kids-dont-stay-in-college/
Nice job on this post. The graphic advanced my understanding and you were really specific in describing what the book is about.
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