I Am Malala

By Philip

Malala is a hero to me. I think she made many courageous acts to get an education and insist on the same right to education for all mankind. I admire how she spoke out against the talk of the mullahs who said it was wrong to educate girls. She followed Allah and the Koran. She ate halal. She did not disobey her religion. The Taliban made up rules to abuse people. The men of the Taliban were the ones applying their religion wrongly. Peace was nowhere to be found under the Taliban. Learning was banned for all girls. Malala would not stop her education or saying the Taliban each day committed terrible injustices. Pakistan was a violent place to live in. Malala risked her life to save the right to go to school. Malala was shot in the head for what she stood for.  But God miraculously saved her. The person who shot her was forgiven. I admire her for letting peace put her mind to good use instead of revenge. Learn from her example, not from terrorists. Malala became even more recognized and brought her cause to the whole world's attention. She spoke at the United Nations. Pakistan passed law to educate all boys and girls. Malala’s power was more power than the terrorists. I am Malala. 

*Lisa's note- Philip has been learning about Malala Yousafzai from her memoir "I Am Malala" and from watching news specials and Malala's speeches.  She is a role model for so many, and I would say especially for Autistic children.  Even though Malala is not Autistic, she made her voice and position heard in a culture that denied women a voice and an education.  The world listened.  Because of her bravery, Malala has been able to affect the change she so passionately believes in.  There are still many Autistic voices needing to be heard in America and all over the world.  We must do all we can to help pave the way towards better methods of communication and accommodation, quality education, opportunities for inclusion, and acceptance of all Autistic people as contributing members of society.  Malala inspires us to bravely speak and act to bring about the change we want to see.