Philosofi

The prize is presented to a child with exceptional capabilities whose remarkable acts and thoughts have made a difference in countering problems that affect children around the world. The prize was first launched at the Nobel Peace Laureates’ Summit 2005 and was initiated by the Dutch Organisation KidsRights.

The other four nominated for the award are: Liza (17) from Palestine, Michaela (17) from South Africa, Nikolay (17) from Armenia and Winfred (14) from Uganda. One of the five nominees will be rewarded with the prize on November 21 (today) and will become the seventh child to get the prize.

Malala was nominated because she alone raised her voice for girls’ education during the mayhem in Swat, in which girls were not only banned from attaining schools and colleges, but their schools were destroyed as well. She successfully used national and international media to let the world know about violations of their rights. She fought bravely for girls’ rights in the militancy-hit Swat, focusing on their right to education.

“I recently had the opportunity of meeting 16-year-old Mariyam Mohammed Suleman from Gwadar, a talented girl, who was dressed in traditional Baloch kurta-shalwar. She left me speechless when we met at the the pre departure orientation ceremony, for the ninth batch of the Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study program at Beach Luxury Hotel in Karachi.

She told me:

“I study in an all-boys college.”

I had not heard of any girl studying in an all boys’ college before.  She explained:

“We don’t have any girls’ colleges in Gwadar.”

I realized that he state of our education system is miserable. However, I did not expect it to be so unfair that a rapidly growing city like Gwadar, would not have any colleges for girls.

Mariyam went on about the difficulties students face in Gwadar and the troubles that teachers have to go through to teach girls in an all-boys college, in a conservative society:

“Our teachers have arranged for a few classes in the evenings, after being inundated with requests from several girls who want to continue studying. Sadly enough, our teachers have to teach us without any remuneration from the government or NGO. I have profound respect for all my teachers.”

 Contd…

The wisdom this 16-year-old girl possesses needs to be spread and talked about.

Her hope does not waver because she believes in herself and her deeds. If every Pakistani quits ranting about the injustices and lack of opportunities and instead starts creating opportunities, Pakistan might just acquire a better position by 2012, when Mariyam will return to Pakistan after completing the exchange program.”

My Add: ..Will investigate about Gwadar not having internet (as mentioned above)…Wireless Internet keys have been launched for the whole country including Balochistan..(perhaps she doesnt know about them? )….Its the only other district with the presence of foreigners in Balochistan.