Lesson 4

Activity 1. Pay attention!

Listen to Malala’s speech at the United Nations. There are some differences between the transcription and the video. Point out these words or phrases.

(10'30'') Peace is necessary for education. In many parts of the world especially Pakistan and Afghanistan; terrorism, wars and conflicts stop children to go to their schools. We are really tired of these wars. Women and children are suffering in many parts of the world in many ways. In India, innocent and poor children are victims of child labour. Many schools have been destroyed in Nigeria. People in Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism for decades. Young girls have to do domestic child labour and are forced to get married at early age. Poverty, ignorance, injustice, racism and the deprivation of basic rights are the main problems faced by both men and women.

     Dear fellows, today I am focusing on women's rights and girls' education because they are suffering the most. There was a time when women social activists asked men to stand up for their rights. But, this time, we will do it by ourselves. I am not telling men to step away from speaking for women's rights rather I am focusing on women to be independent to fight for themselves.

      Dear sisters and brothers, now it's time to speak up. So today, we call upon the world leaders to change their strategic policies in favour of peace and prosperity.

      We call upon the world leaders that all the peace deals must protect women and children's rights. A deal that goes against the dignity of women and their rights is unacceptable.

     We call upon all governments to ensure free compulsory education for every child all over the world.

      We call upon all governments to fight against terrorism and violence, to protect children from brutality and harm.

      We call upon the developed nations to support the expansion of educational opportunities for girls in the developing world.

    We call upon all communities to be tolerant – to reject prejudice based on cast, creed, sect, religion or gender. To ensure freedom and equality for women so that they can flourish. We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.

     We call upon our sisters around the world to be brave – to embrace the strength within themselves and realise their full potential.

     Dear brothers and sisters, we want schools and education for every child's bright future. We will continue our journey to our destination of peace and education for everyone. No one can stop us. We will speak for our rights and we will bring change through our voice. We must believe in the power and the strength of our words. Our words can change the world.

     Because we are all together, united for the cause of education. And if we want to achieve our goal, then let us empower ourselves with the weapon of knowledge and let us shield ourselves with unity and togetherness. (15'43'')

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Activity 2. Synonyms

Find words in the text that mean the same as these synonyms. Watch out! They are not in order!

• harm                                
• deprivation                      
• empower                         
• creed                                   
• child labour                     
• compulsory                      
• embrace                          
• flourish                           
• developing world                
• fellow                            
• shield                               
• prejudice                        

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Activity 3. Verbs + preposition

Match the verbs with their prepositions. Then use the dictionaries to look for synonyms of these verbs. Here you have an example:

             People in Afghanistan have been affected by the hurdles of extremism.
             affect by = to influence 


You can use these dictionaries:

• Collins
• Merriam Webster
• Wordreference 

.

• face               up    
• be forced       of     
• be tired         someome from
• focus             away    
• stand             for
• step               against
• fight              in
• speak             by 
• call                up
• go                  on
• protect          to
• speak             upon
• believe          for

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Activity 4. Education worldwide

Look at the map and see the different rates of alphabetization in Cuba, Spain and Pakistan.

Source: Index Mundi

Why do you think these rates are so different? Write a comment of 10 lines in the journal online we have created in the last part. 

Remember to comment on what was the activity you liked the most!