World renowned education advocate and the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner, Malala Yousafzai, yesterday announced new support to UNICEF to help Syrian refugee children in Jordan succeed in school.
Following a visit to the Ministry of Education school in Azraq refugee camp, which is supported by UNICEF, Malala spoke about her determination to increase school attendance and to ensure quality education for children who already attend.
“We are delighted to partner with the Malala Fund in supporting girls’ education in Jordan. Malala is an inspiration to children across the world and her powerful messages go a long way in promoting education for all children in Jordan,” said Robert Jenkins, UNICEF Jordan Representative.
This new support is particularly timely as UNICEF and partners are preparing a large-scale back to learning campaign over the summer months.
Speaking in Azraq camp, Malala highlighted the importance of investing in education. “Peace can only be achieved through education,” she said. “This is why we are here to ask world leaders to treat the rest of the world’s children as their own children,” she added.
Malala spent yesterday in Azraq refugee camp with 16-year old Syrian education advocate, Mozoun, who led the first UNICEF supported back to learning campaign in Za’atari refugee camp during the summer of 2013.
Mozoun showed Malala her Grade 11 classroom and they also took the opportunity to have a game of football on the new pitch. Following the school visit the two spent time at the UNICEF and Norwegian Refugee Council run Youth Center where Mozoun regularly attends computer classes.
Since meeting in Za’atari last year, Mozoun and Malala have become friends through their shared passion for education.
