It’s about education for all

On November 20, Malala Yousufzai received the European Parliament’s Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought. Named after the Russian dissident and scientist Andrei Sakharov, who spoke against the tyranny of the Soviet Union, its previous recipients include many inspirational figures, starting with Nelson Mandela in 1988 and followed by Kofi Annan and Aung San Suu Kyi.

Ms Suu Kyi, who is now the leader of the opposition in Myanmar after years of house arrest and recently announced that she will be running for president in 2015, could only pick up her Sakharov Prize last month, after 19 years. Malala Yousufzai is merely 16-year-old, yet, she has already experienced more than many will during a lifetime. The role thrust on her by history is one of tragedy and hope. The theme of Malala’s quest for the right to education is universal and resonates everywhere, but it is also firmly rooted in the soil and history of Pakistan.

Because it is a Pakistani story, one must listen, respect and try to understand the divergent opinions expressed in Pakistan about Malala, hoping that ultimately, the debate will converge around the all-important future of the youth in this country. Those who absurdly claim that Malala is only a stooge of the West should be reminded that she was already known in Pakistan for her unwavering commitment to education long before reaching international fame. She received a national award in 2011 from the hands of former prime minister Yousaf Raza Gilani. And by writing a blog at the age of 11 to denounce the unprecedented ban on girls’ education in northwestern Swat Valley, Malala emerged as a symbol of resistance while, at the same time, becoming a target for extremists rejecting fundamental human rights and democratic principles.

Through their eloquent arguments in favour of education for girls, Malala and her friends have captured the aspirations of millions of girls and boys and their parents, in Pakistan and beyond. Their struggle for education and freedom of speech demonstrates the resilience and stamina of a country suffering daily from terrorism — just as the Pakistani people as a whole, despite intimidation and threats, bravely cast their vote on May 11, 2013.

Irrespective of gender or social background, the true purpose of education is to allow every one of us to choose our destiny. Nobody should be denied this basic right and access to education for all was defined as a major Millennium Development Goal by the United Nations in 2000. Pakistan has adopted a National Plan of Action to accelerate the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals, including on education for all. And the new government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has recently pledged to double spending on public education from two to four per cent of the overall budget. This is very welcome. But further efforts are needed both at federal and provincial levels.

In its quest for education for all, Pakistan can count on the support of the European Union and its member states as reliable and long-term partners without any hidden agendas. The European Union is already supporting initiatives in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Sindh aimed at increasing access to quality education, fostering progression through school, reducing gender and rural-urban disparities, and improving student learning. We are also working with Pakistan on a major nationwide programme for technical and vocational training.

Our shared goal is to enable all young girls and boys to go to school, to study without fear and to decide their own future. Pakistan is a country rich in inspirational individuals. Malala has shown the way forward towards education for all, not just in Pakistan, but everywhere. The European Parliament is rewarding her for that.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2013.

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