Malala: Books 'can fight terrorism'
A teenager who was shot by the Taliban after campaigning for women’s rights has declared that "Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism".
Malala Yousafzai was warmly applauded by a 1,000-strong crowd outside the Library of Birmingham as she thanked the people of the city for their support during her ordeal.
The 16-year-old schoolgirl was flown from Pakistan to the UK for emergency treatment last October after being shot in the head by a Taliban gunman.
Hailing pens and books as “weapons” that can defeat terrorism, Malala began a speech outside the library's official opening by addressing the crowd as her “fellow Brummies”.
Speaking clearly and loudly, the teenager, who now attends a school in Birmingham, said: “It is an honour for me to be here in Birmingham, the beating heart of England.
“Birmingham is very special for me because it is here that I found myself alive, seven days after I was shot.
“It is now my second home, after my beloved Pakistan.
“The doctors and nurses of this town worked hard to help me recover.
“The teachers of this town strived to rehabilitate my educational career, and the great people of this city gave me great moral support.”
Malala, who unveiled a stainless steel plaque marking the library’s official opening, informed the crowd that she had challenged herself to read thousands of books.
The teenager added: “Pens and books are the weapons that defeat terrorism.
“I truly believe the only way we can create global peace is through educating not only our minds, but our hearts and our souls.”
Malala, who was given a library membership card after finishing her speech, was targeted by the Taliban after campaigning for girls’ right to attend school.
Surgeons who treated Malala said she came within inches of death when a bullet grazed her brain.
Malala, who is also due to receive the International Children’s Peace Prize later this week in recognition of her dedication to children’s rights, used her seven-minute speech to call for peace and development in Nigeria, Syria and Somalia.
“We must speak up for the children of Pakistan, India and Afghanistan who are suffering from terrorism, poverty, child labour and child trafficking,” she said.
“Let us help them through our voice, action and charity. Let us help them to read books and go to school.
“And let us not forget that even one book, one pen, one child and one teacher can change the world.”
The Library of Birmingham, located in Centenary Square, has a distinctive skin of metal hoops and replaces the city’s nearby Brutalist Central Library, which opened in 1974.
