I’d like you to think back to your first years of education, a time when you were facilitated with materials such as pencils, pens and books. Something to write on, something to write with and someone to teach you how to write. Was this your introduction to an education?

Malala Yousafzai, a teenage girl from Pakistan, was victimised by a Taliban terrorist attack  on 9th October 2012. Despite her horrific injuries, Malala’s response may seem strange, as she did not seek revenge for those who attacked her. Not only did the incident strengthen her courage and her fight for every child’s legal right to an education, Malala shed light upon one of the world’s most powerful weapons, education.

Malala addressed the United Nations, including more than 500 students in New York on 12th July 2013: “One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.” Malala allowed many others around the world to join her in her fight for the right of every child to receive an education and following her speech, many children around the world have the growing confidence to begin their journey in education.

If we lack the support from a teacher and the essential materials, our education would not be enabled. Around five million children around the world are out of education, but this can be changed. Every child has the right to provision. Every child should have an equality of opportunity to receive an education. And every child has the right to learn of current and past world affairs, just like Malala’s story. With knowledge, society can be changed. Therefore, one child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.

If I wasn’t given these essential materials, I would not be the person I am today. I would not be here today. This is Malala’s inspirational vision. What’s yours?