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The story of Malala Yousafzai’s journey will soon be a permanent fixture at the world’s largest children’s museum.
When a member of the Taliban shot Malala Yousafzai in the head on her way home from school, they had no idea what would happen. The 15-year-old Pakistani girl made a miraculous recovery, continued to fight for girls education and became the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize recipient. Her battle for education and refusal to be stopped will now be featured alongside the stories of Anne Frank (1940s—child of the Holocaust), Ruby Bridges (1960s—one of the first to integrate schools in the American South) and Ryan White (1980s—AIDS activist) at The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis in an exhibit called The Power of Children. The exhibit highlights stories of courage, perseverance and tolerance. The most amazing part is that these are all accomplishments made by ordinary children who faced extraordinary hatred.
Malala knows all about hatred; it surrounded her from the time she started blogging about living under Taliban rule as a child. Speaking out for girls’ education made her a target. In October 2012, a masked gunman boarded Malala’s school bus and shot her in the head; he also shot two of her schoolmates. Instead of silencing Malala, her voice became louder. She cofounded Malala Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to building a world where every girl can choose her future. When she was 17 years old, she became the youngest person ever to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize because of her extraordinary efforts to make education a reality for every child. The Children’s Museum feels that her courage can provide inspiration to visitors young and old.
“Our goal is to provide a safe environment for families to have critical conversations about real world issues,” said Dr. Jeffrey H. Patchen, president and CEO, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. “Malala’s courage to fight for her beliefs can help young people understand they don’t have to succumb to racism, discrimination or bullying. They each have a voice and the power to make a positive difference in the world.”
The Power of Children exhibit will feature the story of Malala Yousafzai’s life, the challenges she faced as she attempted to get an education, and the positive impact she has had around the world. The museum will re-create her home in the Swat Valley and present information about her life, showing how she used the family computer to express her message. Overall, the exhibit will feature her legacy and also showcase other girls who stood up for the right to attend school.
“So here I stand . . . one girl among many,” said Malala Yousafzai in a speech to the United Nations in 2013. “I speak— not for myself—but for all girls and boys. I raise up my voice—not so that I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. Those who have fought for their rights: Their right to live in peace. Their right to be treated with dignity. Their right to equality of opportunity. Their right to be educated.”
“Malala embodies the true spirit and resilience of the valiant people of Pakistan. Her bravery and courage in the face of adversity has inspired millions around the world to stand up for the cause of education,” said Dr. Asad Majeed Khan, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States. “Today, Malala is a role model for the world’s youth. While we pay tribute to Malala, I want to share that girls in
Pakistan are emerging successfully across all walks of life. The Government of Pakistan remains committed to the social and economic empowerment of girls.”
“We each play a part every day through the kindness we show others and the actions we take. Please join us to Celebrate The Power of Children: A Year of Action,” said Patchen. Jan. 27 is the 75th anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz. April 8 is the 30th anniversary of Ryan White’s death. July 12th is Malala’s birthday, which the United Nations designated “Malala Day” in 2014. Nov. 15 is the 60th anniversary of Ruby Bridges integrating William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans.
The Power of Children exhibit is made possible by lead gifts from Deborah Simon, Efroymson Family Fund, Chase, National Endowment for the Humanities, Duke Energy Foundation, Mr. and Mrs. Jerome P. Martin, U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services, The Cummins Foundation, and The Anne Frank House in Amsterdam. Support for the addition of Malala Yousafzai's story is provided by Allen Whitehill Clowes Charitable Foundation, Inc., and U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is proud to partner with Riley Children’s at Indiana University Health, Old National Bank and Ice Miller LLP.Follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram—#TakeActionTCM) on Monday of each week to find out ways you can bring waves of change to your community for Celebrating The Power of Children: A Year of Action. The Malala portion of The Power of Children exhibit is slated to open in 2021.
About The Children's Museum of Indianapolis
The Children's Museum of Indianapolis is a nonprofit institution committed to creating extraordinary learning experiences across the arts, sciences, and humanities that have the power to transform the lives of children and families. For more information about The Children's Museum, visit www.childrensmuseum.org, follow us on Twitter @TCMIndy, Instagram @childrensmuseum, YouTube.com/IndyTCM, and Facebook.
