Times and Places - Malala Yousafzai Day - The importance of education
Updated: Aug 27
This Malala Yousafzai Day assembly for primary schools explores the importance of education and why every child deserves the opportunity to learn. Through discussion and reflection, pupils discover how Malala Yousafzai became a global advocate for education and consider the values of justice, equality and opportunity. Children are encouraged to think about the importance of learning, appreciate the opportunities available to them and reflect on how education can help build a better future for everyone.
Assembly Theme: JUSTICE
Suitable for EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
What is Malala Yousafzai Day?
Malala Yousafzai Day celebrates the life and work of Malala Yousafzai, a young woman who has become one of the world's leading advocates for education. The day highlights the importance of ensuring that every child, regardless of where they live or who they are, has access to a free, quality education.
Education is something many children in Britain experience every day, but around the world millions of children still face barriers that prevent them from attending school regularly. Malala Day provides an opportunity to reflect on why education matters and how learning can help individuals, communities and countries to thrive.
For children, the day offers a chance to think about the opportunities that education provides and to develop a greater appreciation for the role that schools, teachers and learning play in their own lives.
Who is Malala Yousafzai?
Malala Yousafzai was born in Pakistan in 1997. From a young age, she loved learning and believed that all children should have the opportunity to go to school. When restrictions were placed on girls' education in her local area, Malala spoke publicly about the importance of learning and the right of girls to attend school.
Her courage attracted attention around the world, and despite facing significant challenges, she continued to campaign for education. In 2014, at the age of just seventeen, Malala became the youngest-ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Today, Malala continues to work through the Malala Fund, helping girls around the world gain access to education and encouraging governments and communities to invest in schools and learning opportunities.
Why is education so important?
Education helps children develop the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to navigate the world around them. It opens doors to future opportunities, supports personal growth and helps people contribute positively to their communities.
Learning to read, write, communicate and solve problems enables children to pursue their ambitions and make informed choices throughout their lives. Education also helps people understand different perspectives, work together and find solutions to challenges facing society.
Malala often describes education as a key that can unlock potential. By ensuring that all children have access to learning, communities can become stronger, fairer and more prosperous.
Why is Malala's message still important today?
Although great progress has been made, many children around the world still face obstacles to education. Poverty, conflict, discrimination and lack of resources can prevent children from attending school or completing their education.
Malala's message reminds us that education is not simply a privilege for some people but a right that should be available to everyone. Her story encourages children to value their own learning opportunities and to think about how they can contribute to a fairer and more inclusive world.
By learning about Malala and the importance of education, children can develop a greater appreciation for their own school experience while recognising the importance of equality, justice and opportunity for all.
This assembly includes:
A ready-to-use PowerPoint
A clear, easy-to-follow script
Discussion questions
Optional collective worship slides
A linked Bible message and prayer
A FREE Proverbs poster
FAQs
When is Malala Day?
Malala Day is recognised internationally on 12th July each year. The date marks Malala's birthday and celebrates her work promoting education for children around the world.
Do I need to plan anything for this assembly?
No, all of our assemblies are ready-to-deliver. Simply download, read the plan and deliver.
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