Pakistani rights activist Malala Yousafzai, who survived after being
shot in the head by the Taliban for campaigning for girls’ education,
pledged yesterday to help free the 219 schoolgirls being held by Boko
Haram since April 15.
Malala spoke in Abuja when she met with some parents of the schoolgirls.
There were 15 parents at the meeting and five of the 57 girls who escaped from the Boko Haram custody.
Some of the parents broke down in tears as Malala spoke at a hotel.
“I can see those girls as my sisters … and I’m going to speak up for
them until they are released,” said Malala, who celebrates her 17th
birthday today. She is scheduled to meet with President Goodluck
Jonathan at the Aso Villa this morning.
See more photos below:
Welcome to Nigeria – She was greeted by officials
Her first meeting was with Amina and Hajara from the Center for Girls Education who stand in solidarity together
Met with relatives of the missing girls
Her Birthday was on the 12th of July. She celebrated by making a wish with young girls
She watched the World Cup Finale – Argentina vs. Brazil
“I’m going to participate actively in the ‘bring back our girls’
campaign to make sure that they return safely and they continue their
education.”
“I can feel … the circumstances under which you are suffering,” she
said. “It’s quite difficult for a parent to know that his daughter is in
great danger. My birthday wish this year is bring back our girls now
and alive.”
“My request to the government is that they should take you serious.
They should definitely take you serious,” she told the five escapee
girls.
“If you don’t focus on the future generation it means you are destroying your country. Think about these girls.”