What to do about Malala?

It is so crucially important that when sharing a story like this one that students feel not depressed but empowered.

This is the time to connect our 11-14 year old students to the world and an issue that should matter to them. They want to connect with this girl and her cause. Teachers please use this moment to let students explore their own ideas of how to connect. 

Start with the story, and then ask the question. What can we do? 

There ought to be time for students to struggle with their own understanding of how to connect with the world at large. All they have been equipped to do is connect with their own teachers and their peers, this they are not ready for.

Don't give them the answers right away. They may have a better idea than what can be provided for them. 

Instead help the students see, feel, and experience their connection with this girl. 

Instead let students ask the questions about our nation, our region, our world and our involvement, potential, real, imagined or otherwise. 

The key here is empathy. Can our young students (especially the girls) connect with Malala and her cause?

Only after students have been given a considerable amount of time to consider what should be done, what can be done should a teacher step in and help them decide on what they can do (and only if the students need our help). 

Here are some ideas to help students connect:

• write letters to Malala
• research her cause and her story
• find out about more about Pakistan and the Taliban.
• Read her diary - her entire diary
• send original artwork or video to Malala's family
• Write letters/video/art to our MP Laurie Hawn, Stephen Harper, or a responsible minister (can you think of a better way to teach students about what a cabinet is than to have them find out who the minister of justice, leader of government, minister of foreign affairs, finance immigration is?)
• research and connect with the NGO's that are active in the cause and the region
• write letters to the Pakistani government
• Extend this event into an understanding of the girl effect 
• Connect with schools in Pakistan and show them our support.

What will Westlawn do to help empower and connect our students today?