These words describe one of the most powerful documentaries I have ever seen. Girl Rising displays powerful stories of young girls in developing countries who aren't allowed or don't have any access to education because of various life changing situations.
As a future educator I have learned a lot about how to teach academics. I have also learned a lot about how much children need an education to succeed in the 21st century, not only for the content but because of the environment of school.
Sometimes we can take our lives for granted because we haven't seen hurt or suppression. I come from one of the top public school systems in Massachusetts and have never taken my education for granted. My parents moved to our town because of the school system and education I would receive. I am thankful for the education I received and that is part of the reason why I wanted to pass it on and become a teacher myself.
Malala Yousafzai
Girl Rising tells the stories of different girls around the world who for some reason have struggled to receive an education. The film supported the revolution of girls education that was brought to light by Malala Yousafzai. Malala is from Pakistan and demanded girls have the right to education, she was targeted by the Taliban and shot in the head. "She is not alone". Girls around the world fight for education, fight for their right, fight for their freedom, fight for their future.
The girls who tell their stories are just one of many in their county who have the same barriers as they do. Girls in Afghanistan are married off at young ages and stop going to school to become a household wife and mother. Girls in Nepal are slaves in houses and aren't allowed to go to school. Girls in Egypt are raped and abused when they are not in school.
Wadley from Haiti has courage, drive, determination, and happiness. She is a young girl who loved going to school. When the earthquake struck in 2010 everything was destroyed including the school. Wadley wanted to go back to school but her mother couldn't afford to pay the teacher. Wadley went to the school and when she was asked to leave she told the teacher "Even if you send me away I will come back every day until I can stay". Although all the stories from around the world show courage and adversity that inspires, Wadley's story stuck with me because of her age. She is one of the youngest girls in the stories and wants every piece of education and minute of learning she can get. Education opens every door for children and opportunities to become what children dream of.
"I feel as though I have power."
"I feel I can do anything."
Girls around the world are told they can't and shown they are less than men. Their voices are silenced. But the power and fight girls have within them to receive an education is going to change the world. Educating girls can and will change the world.
The stories of these girls and young women in Girl Rising made my heart sink and imagine wander. I know there are children all around the world that don't receive the best education, but these stories reaffirmed why I want to make a difference in the lives of children. As my college career finishes up and having my teaching license comes closer, I think harder about where I want to take my passion and drive to educate. Seeing these stories of young girls wanting an education and a way out of their hardships and torn lives makes me want to teach in developing countries. I am grateful for my education and the power it has given me. I know what a school can do for a child's life, and what a teacher can do to help shape a positive world and open future. I have always wanted to go help children in other countries and travel the world experiencing how children live around the world. This movie ignited a fire of passion in my heart to change the life of just one child through education.
The girls who tell their stories are just one of many in their county who have the same barriers as they do. Girls in Afghanistan are married off at young ages and stop going to school to become a household wife and mother. Girls in Nepal are slaves in houses and aren't allowed to go to school. Girls in Egypt are raped and abused when they are not in school.
