On 3rd September, Malala Yousafzai opened the Library of Birmingham; now the largest public library in Europe.
In an inspirational speech, Malala, the teenager who survived being shot by the Taliban for her championing of education and women’s rights, said she was “honoured” to be part of the opening ceremony, a sentiment which certainly went both ways.
Having been treated at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham last year, Malala now resides in the city and is considered by locals as an ‘honorary Brummie’. Her “beloved” Pakistan, of course, is clearly never far from her mind, and in her speech she spoke of the importance of books, knowledge and education, and reminded us of those not so fortunate as to have these things on their doorstep.
“We must not forget that 57 million children are out of school. We must speak up for peace and development in Nigeria, Syria and Somalia. We must speak up for the children of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan who are suffering from terrorism, poverty, child labour and child trafficking. Let us help them through our words, action and charity. Let us help them to read books and go to school.”
Further than this, Malala, who recently received the Children’s Peace Prize for her work promoting education rights in Pakistan, made an important link between education and politics, stating her belief that “the only way we can achieve global peace and prosperity is through reading, knowledge and education”, claiming that “pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism.”
In this bold and inspirational speech, Malala not only celebrated the opening of what is a magnificent library, but highlighted the true importance of knowledge and education throughout the world, encouraging us not only to push ourselves to learn more, but to help others do the same.
“And let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”
