I have read "I am Malala." I have followed her as she spoke to the United Nations on behalf of girls like her who are discouraged, if not actively forbidden, to learn, to grow, to be the best they can be, and become future participants in their nation's growth.
I want to see girls empowered. I want to see them grow, to be happy, to be fulfilled, and their children lifted out of poverty, cruelty, and neglect. Education is the one tool that can lift up a nation--and girls are the keystone for any nation's prosperity.
Dear Members of Congress, Honored members of the United Nations:
We are in a troubled, turbulent time. Wars seem to be everywhere, and children bear the brunt of any conflict. To save a generation, it is time to act now.
Girls are vital in this: they grow up, become mothers, teachers, artists, engineers, politicians, health care providers--but not without education. Some countries make it difficult, if not impossible, for girls to go to school.
Malala Yousufzai was shot because she wanted an education--she survived, thanks to caring people who worked to get her well. But her cause continues...and girls everywhere have taken notice. They have said, "I am Malala, too."
Listen to them, sirs, ladies; honor their desire to learn, to grow, to fulfill their deep potential as they learn and become whatever they yearn to be: doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, environemtalists, scientists. We need them all.
Please help them become. Encourage this process of girls learning worldwide. You will give the world a blessing in each and every one of them.
Sincerely,
Tina Loflin
