(Achieve3000, March 1, 2015). The Nobel Peace Prize has been called "the world's most prestigious prize." For more than 100 years, the annual award has been bestowed upon world leaders, political activists, and multi-national committees that have made significant contributions to world peace. But 2014 Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai had never held political office. She'd never even voted. In fact, the 17-year-old was pulled out of chemistry class to hear the news that she'd received one of the world's highest honors.
Malala Yousafzai was born in 1997 in Swat Valley, a picturesque area of northwest Pakistan. She attended a school founded by her father, educator Ziauddin Yousafzai. But in 2007, life for Malala and millions of others in Swat Valley changed when the Taliban took over the region. The Taliban passed a series of strict measures that included banning women and girls from attending school. Malala's father, however, stood up to the Taliban. He kept his school open to girls, even in the face of intense threats.
Malala was inspired by her father's actions. In 2008, at age 11, she began giving TV interviews about the importance of education for all children. In 2009, Malala wrote a blog for media outlet BBC Urdu about life under the new regime. But her newfound fame made Malala a target for the Taliban, and in October 2012, the group attempted to assassinate her. Malala was seriously injured. Following the attack, Malala's family moved to England, where Malala received medical treatment.
The story of the attempt on Malala's life drew widespread condemnation. The teen received messages of support and sympathy from people around the world, from children to world leaders.
"[The world reaction] gave me hope," Malala said. "I just thought before this incident I was maybe one girl. Now we are millions."
Just weeks after the attack, buoyed by the international outrage and support, Pakistan's National Assembly passed the Right to Free and Compulsory Education Bill, which guarantees a free education for all children between the ages of 5 and 16.
In July 2013, the United Nations held "Malala Day," at which the teen addressed a special youth assembly featuring 500 young leaders and education advocates from around the world. In her speech, Malala petitioned world leaders to embrace tolerance and reject prejudice—and to ensure that every child, regardless of gender, has access to a free education.
"We cannot succeed when half of us are held back," Malala said during the address. "Let us pick up our books and our pens; they are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world—education is the only solution."
In October 2013, Malala released her memoir I Am Malala, which detailed her struggle against the Taliban and her fight for children's right to an education. The book has been translated into 38 languages.
Around that time, Malala created the Malala Fund, an organization that campaigns for the millions of girls worldwide who are denied an education. In its first three months of operation, the fund received $3 million in donations from around the globe, as well as a pledge of $10 million from the Pakistani government.
In December 2014, Malala was recognized for her myriad contributions to education and children's rights with the Nobel Peace Prize. The 17-year-old Malala, who shared the prize with fellow education activist Kailash Satyarthi of India, became the youngest Nobel laureate in history.
After receiving her award, Malala addressed the audience at Oslo City Hall in Norway, where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is held.
"I'm pretty certain I'm the first recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize who still fights with her younger brothers," Malala joked, adding, "I want there to be peace everywhere, but my brothers and I are still working on that."
But Malala quickly grew serious as she implored world leaders to make this "the last [generation] that sees empty classrooms, lost childhoods, and wasted potentials."
Malala continued as the audience cheered.
"Leaders must seize this opportunity to guarantee a free, quality, primary and secondary education for every child. Some will say this is impractical, or too expensive, or too hard, or maybe even impossible—but it is time the world thinks bigger."
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Write a summary of today's article. As you write your summary, complete the following steps:
STEP 1: Read the article in order to understand the text.
STEP 2a: Identify the topic sentence for each paragraph.
STEP 2b: Take out any details that are not needed.
STEP 2c: Combine the information—in your own words—into a single paragraph.
STEP 3: Rethink your summary and the article.
STEP 4: Check your summary. Then double-check it.
The article discusses Malala Yousafzai, a young education activist from Pakistan who was targeted by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education. Despite being shot, Malala continued her fight for education, leading to the passing of a bill in Pakistan and the creation of the Malala Fund to support girls' education globally. In 2014, Malala was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, becoming the youngest recipient in history. In her acceptance speech, she called on world leaders to ensure that every child has access to quality education.
Thought Question: A “groundbreaker” is a person, a group of people, a company, or an organization that does something innovative or original. A “groundbreaker” makes it possible for others to continue developing, improving, or growing. They may have to overcome many obstacles to meet their goals and help others. Based on the article, why might Malala be called a groundbreaker?
Malala Yousafzai can be called a groundbreaker because she bravely stood up against the Taliban's ban on girls' education in Pakistan, despite facing threats and an attempt on her life. She continued to advocate for education for all children, leading to significant changes such as the passing of a bill in Pakistan and the establishment of the Malala Fund to support girls' education globally. Malala's actions have paved the way for others to continue her work in advocating for children's rights and education worldwide.
quote evidences and exlpain how it supports the answer
The quote: "I want there to be peace everywhere, but my brothers and I are still working on that," suggests that Malala is humble and acknowledges that there is still work to be done in achieving peace and advocating for education. This quote shows that Malala does not see herself as having single-handedly solved the issue, but rather as part of a continuing effort. It highlights her resilience and determination to keep working towards her goals, making her a groundbreaker in the field of education activism.
another
The quote: "Let us pick up our books and our pens; they are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world—education is the only solution," showcases Malala's belief in the power of education to bring about positive change and her determination to fight for every child's right to learn. This quote emphasizes Malala's groundbreaking approach to using education as a tool for peace and empowerment, highlighting her innovative thinking and original approach to addressing global issues. Her advocacy for education as a solution demonstrates why she can be considered a groundbreaker in the realm of promoting children's rights and access to education.
simplify
The quote shows Malala's belief that education is the key to creating change and making the world a better place. She advocates for every child's right to learn, highlighting her innovative approach to solving global issues. This demonstrates why she is considered a groundbreaker in the fight for children's rights and education.
The quote: "I want there to be peace everywhere, but my brothers and I are still working on that," suggests that Malala is humble and acknowledges that there is still work to be done in achieving peace and advocating for education. This quote shows that Malala does not see herself as having single-handedly solved the issue, but rather as part of a continuing effort. It highlights her resilience and determination to keep working towards her goals, making her a groundbreaker in the field of education activism.
simplify this