Swat Valley artwork
This watercolor depicts the beautiful Swat Valley in Pakistan. It was painted by author and activist Malala Yousafzai when she was a young girl. When her family was forced to leave their country, her father, Ziauddin Yousafzai, placed the watercolor in storage. Later, while consulting on the addition of Malala’s story to The Power of Children: Making a Difference® exhibit, Ziauddin and Malala donated this artwork to the Museum.
From a humble beginning, Malala became an outspoken advocate for education of women and children in her native homeland and throughout the world and the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. But she never lost her love for her homeland.
In an interview, Malala said of the Swat Valley, “I want my feet to touch that land and to be there. It is the most beautiful place and just like a paradise on Earth.”