Will Malala’s Nobel Peace Prize Prompt Canada to Stand Up for Education for All?

Reposted from a RESULTS Canada press release here.

Today, child education champion Malala Yousafzai became the youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years old. The prestigious award was presented to Malala in recognition of her struggle to ensure that all children have a right to education. Will the Canadian government echo her unwavering commitment to education?

Already an outspoken advocate for education by the age of 14, Malala was targeted by the Taliban in October 2012, when she suffered a gunshot wound to the head while she was riding home on a school bus. Since her recovery, Malala has continued to work tirelessly to promote education for all, and has joined forces with the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) — a global organization working to develop education systems, including a focus on the most vulnerable in fragile and conflict affected states.

“We are thrilled for Malala Yousefzai and Kailash Satyarthi to receive the Nobel Peace Prize. This is a strong recognition of education as a force for peace,” said Alice Albright, Chief-Executive-Officer at the Global Partnership for Education. “We are honored that both of these impressive education advocates are strong supporters of the Global Partnership for Education,” Albright added.

This past June the GPE held its second replenishment conference in Brussels, looking to galvanize support to ensure that all children have the right to basic education. Despite the fact that access to quality education is one of Canada’s international development priorities, Canada did not make a pledge to the GPE. Instead, the Canadian representative said Canada looked forward to pledging very soon. However, Canada has still not pledged to the GPE and we continue to ask the Government of Canada to commit at minimum $120 million over the 4 year replenishment cycle.

In the House of Commons this morning, Mme. Hélène Laverdière, Official Opposition Critic for International Development, brought this issue to the Government’s attention:

“Malala asked Canada to make a pledge to the Global Partnership for Education, which had its replenishment conference last June, but the Government made no pledge at the conference, and none since,” said Mme. Laverdiere. “When will the Government renew Canada’s commitment to education for all?”

Every day, millions of boys and girls like Malala are courageous enough to seek an education despite barriers and challenges that limit access to their access to basic services. The GPE has already helped support quality education for 22 million children in poor and conflict-affected countries, demonstrating the success of its model.

“Education is critical in the fight the end extreme poverty,” said Amy Bartlett, executive Director of RESULTS Canada. “Children who receive basic education are more likely to break the cycle of poverty and realize their full potential. This is why Canada’s investment in the Global Partnership for Education is so important.” 

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES CONTACT:

Jolene Hansell

Communications Officer, RESULTS Canada

Phone: 613-883-5972

Email: [email protected]