Malala`s memoir to be included in US school curriculum

Washington: A top American university announced to develop curriculum tools to accompany Malala Yousafzai`s recently released memoir, "I Am Malala," given that the young Pakistani girl has now become a source of inspiration to people across the globe. The George Washington University yesterday announced that its faculty will work with the publisher of the book to develop curriculum tools to accompany Malala`s recently released memoir, "I Am Malala".

"The book released recently chronicles Malala`s efforts to promote girls` education, even after an assassination attempt by the Taliban that almost killed her a year ago. "Malala`s courageous campaign for girls` education is an inspiration to all," said Mary Ellsberg, director of the university`s Global Women`s Institute (GWI). "We are honoured to serve as the Malala Fund`s educational partner, and to work with Little, Brown and Company to develop a curriculum that will not only educate students but spark the very activism Malala stands for," Ellsberg said. The curriculum tools will focus on themes such as the importance of a woman`s voice, how education empowers women, global feminism, political extremism and youth activism. "We are so heartened by the support Malala has received and we hope her book and this curriculum will give students the knowledge and resources to join Malala in her fight," said Shiza Shahid, co-founder and CEO of the Malala Fund. "When Malala agreed to write the book, she said that she hoped it would be used in schools and colleges around the world to help understand the circumstances of girls who are suffering from terrorism, violence and lack of opportunity. We hope this curriculum will spur a powerful debate on girls` rights and international policy in American colleges," said Shahid. The Washington DC-based University said the curriculum tools will offer suggestions for group and individual assignments and activities, and will include a companion website with multimedia resources, such as interviews and video clips that illustrate cultural and political themes and challenges, helping students see and hear the challenges facing millions of girls around the world. After launching a pilot curriculum at universities, George Washington will begin to use it in various classes this spring faculty will also create a high-school curriculum to accompany the book, it said. "Malala`s incredible story touches on so many topics of vital importance to the educational community not just the value of an education to all people, but also the rights of women and girls everywhere, and a deeper understanding of Muslim culture and the political conflicts that shape our world," said Heather Fain, vice president, associate publisher and marketing director at Little, Brown and Company.