London students write messages of solidarity to Afghan girls: "You are not alone in this journey"

Photo credit: Holly-Marie Cato for Malala Fund

Harrow High School students wrote messages to Afghan girls, expressing their solidarity and awe at their bravery and resilience, and affirming Afghan girls’ right to education.

Every year, Malala spends her birthday — Malala Day — learning about the lives and unique challenges girls around the world face in getting their education. This year, Malala met with Afghan students and their classmates at Harrow High School in London, who were excited to wrap up their studies and jump into the summer break.

This is a stark contrast to girls in Afghanistan who have been banned from attending secondary school for over 1,000 days. 

That’s 1,000 days cut off from their teachers and classmates and 1,000 days unable to study their favourite subjects.

The students sat down with Malala and wrote letters of solidarity and encouragement.

Here are some messages Harrow High School students wrote for Afghan girls:

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“Your resilience has me in awe and it pushes me to help you and spread the word so you can have [an] education. I really think with your bravery and our voices, we could give you guys the education you want. We have gotten so far — women have fought for our rights — we’ve come a long way and your dreams won’t just be dreams, they will be the truth.”

— Zainab 

“Girls and their right to education is something that is not widely discussed but a certain amount [of people] know that women have a heartwarming impact on the world … working together we can help stop your tears from falling on our cheek. You are cared for and there will be a day [when] you will be sitting in a class, with your friends, learning.”

— Yuvraj

“Your pursuit of education is a powerful message. It is an example of how determination can lead to change. You are changing the future of Afghanistan and you should be proud.”

— Faryal 

“We are committed to supporting girls, like you, who dream of a better future through education. I know that you can all change the world and have a positive impact on your communities if you stay strong and continue to believe and aspire towards a future that you can enjoy. You, along with all of your community and girls who face the same challenges, speak with one voice that is united and will break through … I know that your situation is unfair and unjust but your resilience and determination are a light that will guide the way for many others. We need your voice, and when you step back into the classroom, the world will be a better place for it.” — Filip

“It must be difficult to have to fight for your future. To fight for your freedom. But you are not alone. You will never be alone. For as long as we know of your story, you will never be forgotten. You will never be silenced … We will continue to be your voice until we can make a difference.”

— Jemimah

“We will all continue to speak out for you and all the sisters in Afghanistan. You are not alone in this journey. We will all not rest until schools are open in Afghanistan.”

— Salwa

“The power you show is admirable. Despite the difficulties, you continue to walk with your heads high and fight for the dreams and turn them into a wonderful reality.”

— Anastasia

“I urge all of you and your sisters to keep fighting and to never lose hope or feel the world has forgotten your devastating struggles. Your education is vital for the foundation of society and has global support. We all stand with you.”

— Mohamed

“We know how hard it is without education. It is very difficult. We hope that your dreams come true and that you get back to your teachers and friends at school.”

— Somaya

Editor’s note: messages have been edited for clarity.