Five things kids can learn from 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winners Malala Yousafzai and Kailash Satyarthi
The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winners have many difference between them, but one goal that guides them.
The 2014 Nobel Peace Prize winners have many difference between them, but one goal that guides them.
Friday morning the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Pakistani Malala Yousafzai and Indian Kailash Satyarthi, two individuals that are key forces in ending the oppression of children worldwide.
It takes teamwork to make peace work. Children learn this lesson early, perhaps when a parent or teacher gently reminds two kids warring over a toy that they need to share.聽
On a global scale, the same simple principle applies.聽
What is striking about this pairing is the number of differences between the two recipients. It offers a great model for young adults focused on building peace 鈥� in their neighborhood, city, or around the globe 鈥� and a reminder that partners in peace can come from all different background.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee聽said they chose Kailash Satyarthi聽and Malala Yousafzai ...
Here are five reasons future Nobel winners should recognize this pairing as particularly powerful.聽
Teen and adult, woman and man
While Ms. Yousafzai is 17, and Mr. Satyarthi is 60, both have shown that work to end oppression can happen at any age.聽Yousafzai was shot by Taliban militants when she was 14-years-old, as she campaigned for the right for girls to be educated.
Satyarthi has spent decades, since he was in his 20s, battling for the rights of child laborers, and also against the practice of 鈥渇emale feticide鈥� also known as selective abortions of females in India.
Professional and student
According to a Wall Street Journal profile, Satyarthi was originally an electrical engineer until he started Bachpan Bachao Andolan, also known as the Save The Childhood movement. The organization is now considered a leader in the movement to eliminate child trafficking and child labor in Southeast Asia. 聽
Yousafzai has become recognized by teenagers worldwide, and she recently made headlines for her efforts to secure the return of 200 missing Nigerian schoolgirls taken hostage by militant Islamic group Boko Haram. In a hat tip to the social generation, the hashtag #strongerthan was introduced on Malala Day 2014 (celebrated on Yousafzai鈥檚 birthday, July 14) to spread the message that peace and equality are stronger than hate.
Hindu and Muslim, Indian and Pakistani
From the announcement:
Of course, with every awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize, it is valuable to look back on all of the past recipients, and recognize that characteristics of those aimed at achieving peace, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or nationality.聽
And for those who want to get involved in the peace process right away, the organization PeaceJam, started by musician聽Ivan Suvanjieff, partners Nobel Peace laureates with students to help聽facilitate social change.聽
While your children might still be in the phase of learning to share their toys, you might start talking with them about these models of peace now. You never know where it may lead.聽