Angelina Jolie has composed a beautiful essay about how she discussed the tragic shooting of 14-year-old Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai with her brood of children children.
‘I felt compelled to share Malala’s story with my children. It was difficult for them to comprehend a world where men would try to kill a child whose only “crime” was the desire that she and others like her be allowed to go to school,’ Angelina wrote in the Daily Beast.
‘Our 8-year-old [Pax] suggested that the world build a statue for Malala, and fittingly create a reading nook near it.
‘Our 6-year-old [Shiloh] asked the practical question of whether Malala had any pets, and if so, who would take care of them? She also asked about Malala’s parents and if they were crying.
‘We decided that they were, but not only for their daughter, also for children around the world denied this basic human right.’
She continued: ‘The following morning, the news showed pictures of children across Pakistan holding up Malala’s picture at vigils and demonstrations, and praying in schools.
‘My son worried that girls were going to be shot for standing up for Malala. I told him that they were aware of the danger, but publicly supporting her reflects how much Malala means to them. Malala’s courage reminded all Pakistanis how important an education is. Her bravery inspired their own.
‘Still trying to understand, my children asked, “Why did those men think they needed to kill Malala?” I answered, “because an education is a powerful thing.”’
Malala was airlifted to Birmingham, England, where she’s said to be in a stable condition at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The hospital confirmed Malala had a ‘comfortable’ night and doctors had been impressed by Malala’s resilience.
But the Pakistani teenager needs ‘prolonged care’ to help her recover from the physical and psychological effects of the attack and it seems likely her treatment will take more than six months.
It is unclear whether it will ever be safe enough for Malala, whose name means ‘grief-stricken’, to return home. It is likely she will remain in Britain.
UN ambassador Jolie also says she hopes Malala will be in contention for a Nobel Peace Prize.
Source: dailymail.co.uk
