The young activist who was shot in the head by the Taliban two years ago for promoting education for girls in Pakistan became the youngest person to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Malala Yousafzai, now 17, and India’s Kailash Satyarthi, whose efforts to amplify young people’s rights and end the exploitation of children, were bestowed the prestigious award on Friday.
The Malala Fund, set up to promote girls’ education, said via Twitter that Yousafzai would give her first statement after classes end Friday. She attends a school in Birmingham, England.
Meanwhile, Satyarthi, age 60, has shown great personal courage in heading peaceful demonstrations focusing on the grave exploitation of children for financial gain, the committee said.
Satyarthi told reporters that the award was about many more people than him — and that credit should go to all those “sacrificing their time and their lives for the cause of child rights” and fighting child slavery.
“It is a great honor for all those children who are deprived of their childhood globally,” he said.
“It’s an honor to all my fellow Indians who have got this honor — it’s not just an honor for me, it’s an honor for all those fighting against child labor globally.”
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif released this statement congratulating Malala for her continuous efforts to push equal education for all.
“She is (the) pride of Pakistan, she has made her countrymen proud,” he is quoted as saying. “Her achievement is unparalleled and unequaled.
“Girls and boys of the world should take lead from her struggle and commitment.”
We agree. GlobalGrind sends our love, light and congratulations to Malala and Satyarthi.
SOURCE: CNN | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
