Tag: Malala Yousafzai

I Raise My Voice! Celebrating Women’s History Month

by Mershon Niesner

I raise my voice—not so I can shout, but so that those without a voice can be heard. Malala Yousafzai,  education activist and youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate

March is National Women’s History Month. The 2024 theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.” 

The theme recognizes women throughout the country who understand that, for a positive future, we need to eliminate bias and discrimination entirely from our lives and institutions.

The National Women’s History Alliance writes, “It takes courage for women to advocate for practical goals like equity, diversity and inclusion when established forces aim to misinterpret, exploit or discredit them. Throughout 2024, we honor local women from the past and present who have taken the lead to show the importance of change and to establish firmer safeguards, practices and legislation reflecting these values. Following decades of discrimination, we are proud to celebrate women who work for basic inclusion, equality and fairness.”

Amen to that!

Affirmation: I will raise my voice and do what I can to make a difference.

Coaching question: What’s one thing you will do this month to advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion? 

The Power of Education

by Mershon Niesner

Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world. Malala Yousafzai, Pakistani activist for female education and youngest Nobel Prize laureate.

A few years ago, we spent our winters in Costa Rica. During this time I tutored local school-aged children through a community program called Abriendo Mentes whose motto is “using the power of education to create brighter futures.”

Because their school is small, children in this village have limited classroom time and need additional help to learn English, create art, play games, learn about the environment, practice their writing, etc. These Tico children are eager learners, anxiously awaiting their turn to enter the classroom. It was gratifying to see what a difference education makes in the life of a child.

Affirmation: I can make a difference.

Coaching question: How can you make a difference, whether in the lives of children or in other ways?

IMG_1647Abriendo Mentes program and my two volunteer teacher friends