Dear Malala
When you told your story, it reminded me of my own.
Here at Malala Fund, we receive hundreds of letters and messages each week from supporters around the world who are inspired by Malala’s story. We were moved by Leila’s story of becoming an education advocate after hearing Malala speak at the UN in 2013. We hope you feel the same!
Dear Malala,
July 12, 2013 was a day of awakening. I was a freshman in high school and was nominated to attend Malala Day, your first public appearance since the attack. I can still remember how powerful it felt to be at the United Nations Headquarters with hundreds of young education advocates with one goal — quality education for all children.
Now, three years after hearing you speak, I am still fighting with you to ensure equal education for all. You inspired me because when you told your story, it reminded me of my own. I am a strong Algerian-American first generation young female. My strength was built from my family.
My parents emigrated from Algeria more than 20 years ago amidst a civil war in our country. They left behind their education and families to move to a country where they couldn’t even speak the language. The only thing they knew for sure is that they would be providing their future children the opportunity to achieve the American dream.
My family taught me how lucky I was to have my seat in the classroom. When I heard you say that 130 million girls are out of school, it motivated me further. What would I do with my seat?
For the following three years, I found comfort in serving my community through service projects. This year I founded a coin drive for your organization, the Malala Fund. Other students and I went into classrooms, spoke in lunchrooms and talked to staff members at our high school about the importance of ensuring education for all, especially girls.
These projects also sparked confidence in me, making me realize how powerful my voice is. I began participating in roundtable discussions with my local representative in congress and hosting events. And since Malala Day I have traveled to the UN six more times; two of those times, I had the honor of speaking on a panel.
I am blessed to have had these opportunities in my life. Two months ago I graduated from high school in the top 3% of my class and am now attending my local university to study to become a Pediatric Endocrinologist. I will be the first in my family to graduate from college.
The fight for education needs to be fought from all fronts, and it is fought strongest when the wide array of diversity of education advocates bring their passions to the forefront of the battle.
I found my voice when I combined my passion with the fight for education. I show others that it is possible for a female, an Algerian youth, a high school student from a small town to speak at the UN. By empowering your community, you are showing the world the real power of education and why all children deserve that basic human right.
Education is the world’s most powerful force. It is the only force strong enough to break the heavy chains of poverty. Education blesses an individual with the advantage to leave this world better than you have found it. So I will fight in my town, in my country, in this world for the rights of education everywhere.
Malala — I just want to say that after all of this time, I didn’t just watch you grow. I grew alongside you, my inspiration, as we changed this world together. As one.
Sincerely,
Leila B., 18
