That is the question that some powerful militant leaders
in some parts of the world challenge but I believe the response is quite
simple—YES. I am not
speaking to higher education, my thoughts simply go to primary and secondary
education because when an individual and a nation believe that an educated
human being [male or female] is better prepared to be a responsible human
being, everyone benefits. An education offers hope and new possibilities.
No person can lead a fruitful life without some form of
education. When a person learns
the basic fundamentals for survival and acquires tools for personal improvement
that person is better prepared to function and contribute to society. Through
the gift of receiving an education people immediately raise their potentiality
and their standards of living. A healthy vibrant person is one who has a
world open for him/her that can and will improve their vision, their thoughts
and their creativity in ways that otherwise would have been closed to
them. Without question, those who are fortunate to receive a higher
degree, on average perform better and usually contribute in a greater way. Having the freedom to receive an
education in the basic skills of reading—writing and mathematics develops ones
mind and spirit.
It is usually fear and masculine controlled energy that
attempts to curtail the girls and women because they want to express their
superiority and power. While that
attitude and behavior worked for many civilizations as people were controlled
through fear and manipulation today it is no longer tolerated. It is apparent
that our present times are opening up doorways and avenues that are now showing
women and girls many new and wonderful experiences that are offering freedom,
opportunity and equality.
Having an education is truly a right and a privilege
for all of us. Some people
squander it while others savor every word and thought because they understand
the value and the gift. All forms
of education can benefit ones life and improve their standard of living. An education gives no guarantee but it
does offer a chance at new possibilities and that in it self is a benefit. Benefits are what the fourteen-year-old
Pakistan teen, Malala believed she would receive when she and other girls and
women were free to partake in an education. It is those very benefits that has caused many men and
militant leaders in the world to attempt to stop this forward movement and that
is why Malala was shot in the face and left to die. Yet, by the grace of God she is continually proving to the
world how one strong minded individual with the power of her inner strength and
courage is showing the underdeveloped countries that everyone has a right to an
education.
Control and fear of losing control over women is what is
standing in the way. Fanatical
religious pronouncements makes them look like the barbarians of centuries past
but make no mistake, once the door is opened even with just a small flicker of
light showing through, there is no going back. These barbarians are exposed for whom they are—cowards who
live in fear and dictators who control through fear and deprivation.
The battle is certainly not won but the enemy is weaker
and their power and message are being diluted. Malala is now the new face of female freedom acquired
through education. She is the
symbol and advocate for all those who choose to walk and talk freely and who
challenge the fear tactics of the barbarians.
All I can say to those children and people who don’t
take their education seriously:
“ Don’t squander your freedom and right to receive a good education
because there is great power through education.” Learn more about people
like Malala and thank God each and every day for your freedom to read, write
and think with wisdom and understanding.
“Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful
weapons. One child, one teacher,
one book and one pen can change the world.”--Malala
Joan Marie
Ambrose
Author, Creative Writer,
Motivational Speaker
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