Activity 5: Malala’s Magic Pencil
Read: “Malala’s Magic Pencil” by Malala Malala Yousafzai. It could also be watched on video.
Why we like it: Personal story that helps children to identify child rights. It is also an inspiring example of children using her rights to make the world a safer and more just.
Reflective questions:
- What rights stood out for you? Which ones were not respected? [Prompt: education, rest, child labour, discrimination between girls/boys]
- How did Malala use her rights to make things better for other children? (Prompts: participation, sharing her opinions, access to information)
- Can you share an example of someone you know that is helping to make a difference for other children? What are they doing that is interesting or inspiring? How did adults help?
[Example: Students at Oaklands Elementary did research and gave tickets to cars parked on a yellow line blocking the crosswalk in front of the school. Their voices and efforts helped to make walking to school safer. Parents helped the students to raise awareness and to coordinate with the School and the City of Victoria].
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