Leaving her mark: How a 10-year-old’s contest inspired her school to fight for girls’ education
Anya started a competition to design a bookmark for Malala Fund
When Anya was in second grade, she was so inspired by Malala’s story that she decided she wanted to support Malala’s fight — however she could. Ever since, this determined 10-year-old has been dedicated to using her talents to support girls’ education, including a fundraiser that raise more than $1,000 for Malala Fund and leading an assembly at her school in New York City.
Most recently, Anya launched a bookmark design competition in her school to support girls’ education. Being just a fifth grader, Anya knew she “couldn’t do much by myself” and wanted to get more people involved in her campaign.
But there was one problem. “I realised my school didn’t know much about this cause,” Anya said. So she set out to change that. She came up with the idea for the contest as a way for her classmates to learn about the issue of girls’ education.
“I thought of a bookmark because everyone picks them up in the library. They read them and they’re really small. I didn’t want to make it too complicated. I really thought this could help spread the word and we could pass the bookmarks out to other people,” she explained.
Anya pitched her plan to her teacher Mr. Storti and then the two approached the school’s principal. After everyone approved, she connected with members of Malala Fund’s staff to bring her idea to life. They helped secure the grand prize for the contest winners — three signed copies of Malala’s book “Malala’s Magic Pencil.”
Excitement for the competition spread throughout Anya’s school. Other students, including the second grade class, were eager to participate and help spread the word. Though, Anya adds, “Some people needed a little encouraging, but then they realised this is for a good cause and it’s not that much effort for me.”
Once the entries were in, Anya was amazed at the results: “Those bookmarks were really good. They had beads attached to them and everything!” She said it’s hard to pick a favourite.
The competition hasn’t ended yet — the judging process is underway now — but Anya already has her sights set on her next project. “I want to find thirteen girls, including me, who are really devoted and motivated to help this cause. In the summer they would hold 10 lemonade stands, one for each millions of girls out of school. [More than 130 million girls are estimated to be out of school around the world.]
All of the money would be donated to girls’ education. It doesn’t have to be girls…but i think it would be a lot more powerful if it is.” Anya said.
If you’re interested in joining Anya’s lemonade stand project, email giving@malalafund.org with your information and we’ll help connect you and help set up your fundraiser.
Anyone can start a fundraiser for Malala Fund. Learn more about how you can get started.
