Educating girls is not a woman’s issue. My own son wanted to raise money for girls’ education after we visited a village school outside Kolkata on our trip to India last year. He’s just 10-years old yet sees the value in educating girls. In a recent letter he wrote to the United Nations, he stated…
“In my opinion, girls should have the same equality and opportunities as boys. When girls are educated more girls can change the world like Malala. She almost gave her life for education. Then she won the Nobel Peace Prize at a very young age. She became a symbol and advocate for girls education around the world.”
One of the best things I’ve had the opportunity to do as a blogger is participate in a conference call with Malala herself. She was funny and delightful. My sons got to ask her a question, and their eyes popped out of their heads when she responded. My older son particularly liked when she lamented having little brothers who bug her. He gave her a virtual fistbump and knowing nod when she joked about her brothers. I loved that Malala spoke about her quiet determination and responsibility to speak up. She embodies courage that I cannot fathom, yet she is stunningly humble too. The funny thing is, I pulled the boys out of school to participate in the call. When they went back to the classroom they told the teacher and classmates what they had been doing. No one believed them!
These are the things the boys took away from their call with Malala:
- Boys should stand up too.
- Stand up for what’s right, even if no one else is.
- Come forward and get involved.
- Stand with Malala.
- Read her book I Am Malala.
- Help build awareness in school and among your friends.
- See the film He Named Me Malala.
Of course we went to see the film. It was all the more riveting since we had all been on the conference call. Watching the film is a marvelous thing to do with your family. The message and spirit are meaningful for all ages, boys and girls alike. The themes of kindness, peace, forgiveness, rights, and betterment are universal. Watch the movie and pay close attention to the family dynamics that surround Malala. Her father is remarkable. Malala herself said to us, “He gives me hope.” And in turn, you give us hope, Malala. The film will premiere commercial-free on National Geographic Channel Feb. 29 at 8pm ET/7pm CT. Sit down and watch it. On this Leap Day, leap into action to support girls’ education.
- Host a watch party: Share your passion and support for girls’ education and invite friends and family over to watch the film. Sign up to host a watch party in your home or community.
- Live tweet with @MalalaFund: The Malala Fund will be live-tweeting from @MalalaFund using #withMalala during the broadcast. Follow along for behind-the-scenes photos and stories, as well as information on how you can take action for girls’ education.
- Fill a Schoola bag during your viewing party: Have your friends and family gather gently used clothes and fill a Schoola Bag. Send it in and 40% of the proceeds will go to the Malala Fund! It’s an easy way to get a lot of people involved, raise awareness and funds, and it costs absolutely nothing! Read more about the program and request a bag here.
Between now and March 10, 21st Century Fox will donate $1 to the Malala Fund for every tweet tagged #withMalala. They’ll also donate $1 for every video created here. Seriously, check it out — just upload a picture, and it creates a very cool video to show your support for education. It couldn’t be easier to support the Fund and girls’ education globally.