Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai: Give children books so they don't take up weapons

[yuiyoshida]

By TOSHIYA UMEHARA/ The Asahi Shimbun European General Bureau Chief

LONDON--Pakistani child education activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai urged nations to divert funds spent on defense to education and healthcare, saying it was the best response to a surge of terrorism and extremist thinking.

“(Drones) cannot kill terrorism, this idea of terrorism,” Yousafzai, 18, told The Asahi Shimbun in an interview here. “(If) you want to end terrorism, we need to ensure that every child gets quality education.”

She said a lack of education drives young people into terrorism and radical beliefs.

“Most of these people are uneducated, they don’t have jobs, they are unemployed and they have no hope. They pick up guns. So if you want children not to pick up guns, we have to give them books,” she said.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/people/AJ201509250064

[Sherman A1]

1. Agreed

At the very least, it is a great place to start.

[polly7]

2. She is such an inspiration. I just wish those with all the power would listen to her. nt.

[tecelote]

3. Absolutely.

I don't remember the exact wording but...

Instead of soldiers and guns, send books, teachers, doctors and engineers. That will win people's hearts and minds. Not war.

[kelliekat44]

4. She is absolutely right! Learning to read and reading is the key to a lot of problems.

Those who can read but don't have nothing over those who can't read.

[madokie]

5. Education solves all problems

Lack of education causes most all problems. I truly believe that.