MILANI-MALALA COMPARATIVE REFLECTIVE ARTICLE

COURAGE AGAINST CONFORMITY: Malala Yousafzai and Don Milani’s Battle for Educational Justice

By Marco Tavanti, Elizabeth Wilp and Julie Tavanti

First published on July 12, 2024, on Malala Day, it celebrates the courageous life of Malala Yousafzai. She protested after the Taliban had closed her school on September 1, 2008. She stated, “How dare the Taliban take away my basic right to education.” Malala would become the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and worldwide peace and education champion.

** Reflections inspired by the Centennial Celebrations of Don Milani (1923–2023)

Photo Credits: Malala Yousafzai, Christina Lamb & Little, Brown and Company: Cover of the bestselling book " I Am Malala.” EPA, The Conversation: Malala Yousafzai on her way to attend her first day at school after recovering from being shot by the Taliban in 2012. Fondazione Don Lorenzo Milani (FDLM): Don Milani during a lesson with girls, boys, youths, and other teachers. Sandra Passerotti & Libreria Editrice Fiorentina: Cover of the book “Le Ragazze di Barbiana.”

“Education is education. We should learn everything and then choose which path to follow. Education is neither Eastern nor Western, it is human.” — Malala Yousafzai

She is Malala

In a world where the echo of inequality often drowns the voices clamoring for change, Malala Yousafzai stands as a beacon of defiant courage and unwavering commitment to girls’ education. Born in the Swat Valley of Pakistan, a region where the Taliban often brutally enforced their edict against girls’ education, Malala’s journey from a local schoolgirl to a global icon of resistance and peace encapsulates the transformative power of determined leadership.

From a young age, Malala exhibited an intrinsic understanding of education’s value, influenced profoundly by her father, an educator and an advocate for education in his own right. Her leadership journey began not in grandiose gestures but in the simple act of attending school, which, under the oppressive watch of the Taliban, was itself a form of protest. Her blog, penned under a pseudonym for BBC Urdu, detailed her life under Taliban occupation and her relentless pursuit of education. Through these writings, Malala’s leadership began to take shape — a narrative of resistance written in the ink of knowledge and defiance.

Her advocacy, however, came at a steep price. In 2012, Malala was targeted and grievously wounded by Taliban gunmen simply for insisting on her right — and that of every girl — to an education. This brutal attempt on her life sparked an international outcry and further solidified her role as a leader in education rights. Malala’s response to this violence was not one of silence but of amplifying her cause, demonstrating resilience and a commitment to education that resonated globally.

Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, Malala’s leadership transcends the mere act of survival; it is a clarion call for systemic change. Her message is clear: education is not a privilege but a right, and it should be accessible to all, regardless of gender, locale, or socio-economic status. Her foundation, the Malala Fund, advocates for girls' education worldwide, ensuring that they receive 12 years of free, safe, and quality education.

As we delve deeper into Malala’s narrative and her impassioned advocacy for girls’ education, we must also ponder what Don Lorenzo Milani, another stalwart of educational reform and rights, would have said in the face of such courage and conviction. Both figures, though separated by context and culture, share a fundamental belief in the transformative power of education and the rights of the oppressed to access it. As we explore their lives and legacies, we gain insights into their individual battles and a broader understanding of the universal struggle for educational equity.

Advocating for the Rights of Education

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” — Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for educational rights extends beyond personal narrative to encompass a global campaign for systemic change, especially in contexts where conflict, repression, and displacement create formidable educational barriers. Her work directly addresses Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), which aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

1. Global Campaign for Educational Equity: Malala’s voice in the international arena emerged as a survivor and staunch advocate for education as a fundamental human right. Through the Malala Fund, she has been instrumental in pushing for changes in policy and mobilizing resources to ensure that more girls can attend school. The fund’s initiatives focus on regions where girls are disproportionately affected by crises and poverty.
2. Challenges in Conflict Zones: Education is challenged severely in conflict zones. Schools are often damaged or destroyed, teachers are scarce, and the journey to school can be perilous. Malala’s advocacy specifically highlights these issues, campaigning for safer school environments and supporting local educators and organizations that strive to keep educational pathways open amidst the turmoil. Her efforts underscore the importance of rebuilding schools and fostering a culture of safety and resilience around educational institutions.
3. Addressing Repression and Cultural Barriers: Repressive regimes and conservative cultural norms pose significant obstacles to girls’ education. Malala’s work addresses these issues by advocating for policy and public perception changes. She emphasizes the need for educational reforms that include gender-sensitive curricula and the training of teachers to handle the unique challenges faced by girls, particularly in conservative societies where female education might be undervalued.
4. Refugees’ Rights to Education: The plight of refugees holds a special place in Malala’s advocacy. Displaced populations often encounter disrupted educational trajectories, and refugee children are at a high risk of being left out of the education system entirely. The Malala Fund works to secure commitments from governments and international bodies to provide education to refugee children, advocating for integrated education systems that include displaced populations rather than temporary solutions that may segregate or marginalize refugee students.
5. Gender-Specific Needs: Understanding that girls may face different barriers to education, Malala’s initiatives are tailored to address these disparities. From promoting STEM education for girls in traditionally male-dominated societies to supporting programs that protect girls from gender-based violence within school environments, her approach is holistic and inclusive.

Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy transcends her own story, touching the lives of millions of girls who face barriers to education due to conflict, repression, and displacement. By addressing these challenges through a lens that is acutely aware of the intersections of gender, culture, and crisis, Malala continues to push for a world where education for all is not just an ideal but a reality. Her alignment with SDG4 is not just about achieving universal education but ensuring that it is equitable, resilient, and inclusive of all, regardless of their circumstances.

Where Malala’s Advocacy Meets Don Milani’s Philosophies

“Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are the most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world.” — Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai and Don Lorenzo Milani's philosophies converge profoundly on the belief that education is vital for social empowerment and change. Their experiences and advocacy highlight the transformative power of education and the necessity for it to be both accessible and emancipatory.

1. Malala Yousafzai’s Perspective: Malala Yousafzai’s steadfast advocacy for girls’ education is deeply rooted in her own harrowing experiences under Taliban rule, where pursuing education transcended being a mere right — it became a profound act of resistance. Her advocacy extends beyond merely advocating for opening school doors; it involves a robust campaign to transform societal attitudes about girls’ education. Malala has been instrumental in highlighting the substantial social and economic impacts of educating girls on society. She champions a vision for an education system that recognizes and amplifies girls' voices, empowering them to advocate for change. Her efforts are focused on catalyzing shifts in policy and cultural mindsets that traditionally limit educational opportunities for girls. By advocating for these changes, Malala seeks to dismantle the barriers that girls face, advocating for an inclusive and equitable educational landscape where every girl can realize her potential. Malala has become a global symbol of the struggle for girls’ education through her work. These inspiring movements seek to transform how societies value and support girls' education worldwide.
2. Don Lorenzo Milani’s Contributions: Don Milani’s pedagogical legacy at Barbiana is a testament to his profound commitment to using education for social upliftment. His approach fundamentally empowered the marginalized, equipping them with the critical tools necessary to articulate their aspirations and challenge societal constraints. Contrary to superficial interpretations that might overlook this aspect, Don Milani’s educational initiatives at Barbiana were inclusively structured, actively incorporating girls into the program and fostering an environment that embraced true diversity. Don Milani’s mission was to foster educational environments that nurtured critical thinking and encouraged students to question the status quo actively. His objective was to cultivate individuals who were well-informed and deeply aware of their social and ethical responsibilities. Through his work, Don Milani sought to demonstrate that education could serve as a powerful catalyst for social transformation, aiming to develop conscientious citizens equipped to contribute meaningfully to a more equitable society.
3. Joint Advocacy for Inclusive Education: Both advocates stress the importance of making education universally accessible and truly inclusive. This involves standing up against forces that seek to suppress educational freedoms and ensuring that marginalized groups, including those in refugee camps and remote areas, are not left behind. Their shared vision extends to teaching methodologies emphasizing global citizenship and solidarity, nurturing an understanding among students that their actions have far-reaching implications.
4. The Need for Educators’ Commitment: Malala and Don Milani also highlight the critical role of educators in this transformative process. Educators should act out of love, aiming to build bridges between diverse communities and instill values of peace and global responsibility in their students. This involves more than just academic teaching; it requires a commitment to developing students as whole beings who are aware of and engaged with the world around them.

In summary, Malala Yousafzai and Don Milani, through their distinct yet harmonious perspectives, reaffirm the role of education in fostering critical thinking, promoting gender equality, and nurturing a sense of global responsibility among learners. While they never met, their messages unite in the call for an educational revolution that champions inclusivity, challenges inequities, and empowers all students to participate actively in shaping a more just and equitable society.

What is the message for us?

“For the love of all that is good in this world, please never give up. If you care about something or someone, no matter what happens, refuse to quit! Never give up, and seek motivation to fuel your drive.” — Malala Yousafzai

When contemplating the collective wisdom of Malala Yousafzai and Don Lorenzo Milani, it’s clear that their messages converge on the critical need for education that is not only accessible and equitable but also transformative and inclusive. They would ask us to prioritize several key areas in order to join them in their struggle for educational justice.

1. Prioritize Education as a Fundamental Right: Both Malala and Don Milani would likely urge us to recognize and advocate for education as a fundamental human right, crucial for empowering individuals and developing societies. They would ask us to challenge any political, cultural, or economic barriers that prevent children, especially girls, from accessing quality education. This means supporting policies that ensure schools are safe, inclusive, and equipped with the resources necessary to provide a comprehensive education.
2. Foster Inclusivity and Equity: Malala and Don Milani would emphasize the importance of inclusivity and equity in education. This involves creating educational systems that cater to the needs of all students, including those from marginalized communities, refugees, the differently abled, and those suffering from economic disadvantages. They would ask us to advocate for curriculums that are not only inclusive in terms of content but also delivered in ways that respect and embrace cultural, social, and gender differences.
3. Encourage Transformative Education: They would also stress the importance of transformative education, which goes beyond the traditional focus on rote learning to include collaboration, critical thinking, problem-solving, and life skills that can empower students to challenge the status quo and enact change. Transformative education also involves teaching students about global citizenship, emphasizing how interconnected our world is and how individual actions can have global impacts.
4. Support Local Educational Leaders and Initiatives: Both leaders recognize the value of grassroots movements and would likely encourage support for local educational leaders and initiatives. Don Milani’s work at Barbiana and Malala’s international advocacy demonstrate that change can occur within communities and through global movements. Supporting local educators and community-led educational programs can help tailor education to meet different environments' specific needs and challenges.
5. Champion the Role of Teachers: Finally, Malala and Don Milani would champion the role of teachers as agents of change within educational systems. They would urge us to support the recruitment, training, and retention of passionate and dedicated teachers committed to equity and transformation in education. This includes advocating for fair wages, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work environment that respects and values teachers' critical role in shaping the future.

Malala’s contemporary fight for girls’ education under the most daunting circumstances and Don Milani’s revolutionary teaching methods in mid-20th century Italy demonstrate that change is necessary and achievable, regardless of the constraints one might face. Their stories serve as a call to action, urging us to break free from the complacency that often accompanies perceived limitations and actively pursue educational reform.

The challenge they present to us — ensuring that every child has access to quality, inclusive, and transformative education — is steeped in their own struggles. They have shown that individual effort, no matter how small it initially appears, can ripple outward and effect significant change. Malala’s survival and activism turned a personal tragedy into a global movement for girls’ education, while Don Milani’s insistence on teaching the disadvantaged youth of Barbiana has inspired educators worldwide to adopt more inclusive and socially aware teaching practices.

Furthermore, their possibilities are grounded in their proven strategies and successes. It is possible to create educational systems that serve all members of society equitably, reform curriculums to include critical thinking and global citizenship, and mobilize local and international communities to support these goals.

In conclusion, the message from Malala and Don Milani is clear and compelling. Their ideals and aspirations for a fairer world through education should inspire our own efforts. They challenge us to see education as the bedrock of societal transformation and act upon this vision with the same courage and determination they have shown. It is up to us to accept this challenge, to embrace the possibility of change, and to work tirelessly towards an educated empowered global community.

Suggested Citation: Tavanti, Marco, Elizabeth Wilp, and Julie Tavanti. “Courage Against Conformity: Malala Yousafzai and Don Milani’s Battle for Educational Justice.” Medium (EduVators). July 12, 2024. https://medium.com/p/a18cfd15b549

‌Explore More: Malala.org. “Malala’s Story | Malala Fund” 2014.. Malala’s Lecture for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014. Malala Yousafzai: 16th birthday Speech at the United Nations in 2013. I Weiss e Don Milani: La Famiglia materna del Priore di Barbiana raccontata per immagini (Italian Edition); Le ragazze di Barbiana: La scuola al femminile di don Milani (Sandra Passerotti)

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About the Authors: Marco Tavanti is an Italian-born American professor who deeply appreciates Don Lorenzo Milani’s teaching methods. He learned about these methods near the Barbiana school early in his career. Marco’s work brings these impactful ideas into today’s teaching practices worldwide. Elizabeth Wilp is a researcher contributing to inclusive education, especially in curricula and classrooms with students from different cultures and backgrounds. Her research and experience provide important insights into how schools can be more effective and welcoming for all students. Julie Tavanti is a Chinese-born American student passionate about developing new ways to teach students who learn differently and helping more women get into STEM fields. Her unique background and dedication to diverse education shape her views and efforts.