Malala visits Nigeria to draw attention to education crisis

UNICEF Nigeria
Jul 20, 2017 · 2 min read

Over 2,295 teachers have been killed and 19,000 displaced, and almost 1,400 schools destroyed in northeast Nigeria since the start of the Boko Haram insurgency in 2009.

© UNICEF/2017/Gilbertson VII Photo

Three million children in the northeast are in need of support to keep learning.

© UNICEF/2017/Abubakar

Nobel Peace Prize winner and international education activist Malala Yousafzai met this week with young girls displaced by the Boko Haram crisis. These girls are trying against all odds to continue with their studies.

© UNICEF/2017/Abubakar

Malala talked to girls a school at a camp on the outskirts of Maiduguri that is home to more than 21,000 displaced people.

© UNICEF/2017/Abubakar

“Studies are clear — educating girls grows economies, reduces conflict and improves public health. For these girls and for their country’s future, Nigeria’s leaders must immediately prioritise education,” said Malala

The Nigerian girls were able to share stories of their experiences of Boko Haram and described how violence and insecurity have disrupted their lives and their learning.

Fatima Ali at her school in Bakassi camp in Maiduguri. (© UNICEF/2017/Abubakar)

“I like the unity that coming to the classroom brings. Our school helps us think about a future,” explained 15 year old Fatima Ali.

© UNICEF/2017/Abubakar

“We will do everything in our power to make sure all children can keep learning. We believe that education — especially for girls, is the single most important way to bring hope, peace and prosperity not just for this generation, but for also for future generations,” said Mohamed Malick Fall, UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, reaffirming UNICEF’s commitment to stand with Malala.

)

UNICEF Nigeria

Written by

Promotes rights & well-being of every child in everything we do. Together with partners, we work on health; nutrition; education; protection; water & sanitation

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade