2014 NEA Friend of Education: Malala Yousafzai

In October 2012, 15-year-old Malala Yousafzai, a student and education activist in Pakistan, was gunned down by Taliban militants determined to ban girls from attending school. Malala survived the brutal attack and emerged more resolute than ever. An inspiration to millions around the world, she has been a tireless and passionate advocate for children and education around the world.

This year, the National Education Association honored Malala with the Mary Hatwood Futrell Human and Civil Rights Award and the 2014 NEA Friend of Education Award.