Malala Teaches Kids the Power of Peace

Malala's Mission in the Classroom

• 💡 Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai visited PS599 in Brooklyn to teach second graders about peace, empathy, and compromise.
• 🎯 Her goal was to facilitate an interactive conversation about conflict resolution and finding decisions that benefit everyone.
• 📚 The visit was part of the "Celebrity Substitute" series, with Amazon transforming the school's library as a thank you.

The Power of Libraries and Education

• 🌱 Malala shared her personal story, highlighting that access to school was a privilege in her community and she didn't have a library in Pakistan until age 15.
• 🔑 She emphasized that libraries are crucial for learning new things and that knowledge is power, bringing people together.
• 📖 The school's old library was disorganized and non-functional, but the new Amazon-funded library now provides a warm, welcoming space with curated books and new technology.

Understanding Compromise

• 🤝 Malala introduced the concept of compromise as a way to work together, understand different points of view, and find solutions.
• 💬 Students demonstrated understanding by giving examples, such as breaking an item in half or taking turns to resolve disputes.
• 🍎 A lighthearted discussion about hating certain vegetables (like carrots and tomatoes) led to a practical exercise in finding a compromise (banning them for two weeks each).

The Screen Time vs. Outdoor Play Debate

• 🗣️ Malala facilitated a mock debate between students on the topic of screen time versus outdoor play.
• 🧠 Students passionately argued their points, discussing benefits like exercise outdoors versus relaxation and learning on screens.
• ✅ The debate concluded with a successful compromise, suggesting solutions like taking iPads outside or balancing screen time with outdoor play, demonstrating that peace is about understanding, not winning.

Impact and Malala's Message

• 👏 The students gave Malala an A+ grade, praising her kindness and ability to help them understand conflict resolution.
• 🌟 Malala's lesson reinforced her lifelong message that every girl should be able to go to school and the importance of speaking up for what is right.
• 📚 She also shared her own books in the new library's reading corner, encouraging students to read stories from around the world.