Ziauddin Yousafzai facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ziauddin Yousafzai
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Ziauddin Yousafzai, 2023
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| Born | 20 April 1969 Shangla, KPK, Pakistan
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| Alma mater | Jahanzeb College |
| Occupation | Education activist Co-founder and Board Member of Malala Fund |
| Political party | Awami National Party |
| Spouse(s) | Tor Pekai Yousafzai |
| Children | 3, including Malala |
Ziauddin Yousafzai was born on April 20, 1969. He is a Pakistani teacher and activist who believes everyone should have the right to learn. He is best known as the father of Malala Yousafzai, who won the Nobel Peace Prize. Malala spoke out against groups like the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan that tried to stop girls from going to school, especially in Pakistan.
Today, Ziauddin Yousafzai helps lead the Malala Fund. This organization works to make sure every girl can get an education. He also wrote a book called Let Her Fly in 2018.
Contents
About Ziauddin Yousafzai
His Early Life
Ziauddin Yousafzai grew up in a Pashtun family in a place called Shangla, Pakistan. His father, Rohul Amin Yousafzai, was a great speaker and a teacher of religious studies. He was also the leader of the local mosque, known as an imam.
Ziauddin's father was a big inspiration to him. Even though Ziauddin had a stutter when he was young, he worked hard to speak clearly. He wanted to show his parents that he could learn and succeed.
His Education Journey
Ziauddin Yousafzai went to Jahanzeb College in Swat, Pakistan. While there, he became a leader in a student group called the Pashtun Students Federation (PSF). This group was part of a political party, the Awami National Party (ANP), which wanted fair rights for Pashtun people. Ziauddin earned a Master's degree in English from Jahanzeb College.
Starting Schools
After college, Ziauddin became a teacher. He worked with a friend, Naeem Khan, to start a group of affordable private schools. They named these schools the Khushal Public School, after a famous Pashtun poet, Khushal Khan Khattak. These schools were special because they welcomed girls who wanted to learn.
Ziauddin was also part of the Rotary Club of Swat. He was chosen as the Vice President of the Swat Association of Private Schools. He believed strongly in education for everyone.
His Family Life
Ziauddin Yousafzai is married to Toor Pekai. They have three children: a daughter named Malala, and two sons named Khushal and Atal. Their first child was born before Malala but sadly did not survive. Ziauddin often appears in interviews with Malala. He can speak English, Urdu, and Pashto very well.
Why Education Matters to Him
Standing Up for Girls' Education
Ziauddin Yousafzai believes deeply that all girls should go to school. He saw that in some places, girls were expected to stay home and learn cooking instead of going to school. He wanted to change this.
When his daughter Malala was young, he encouraged her to speak up for her right to learn. He taught her that every woman should have the chance to be successful and not be kept from reading and writing. His schools were open to all girls who wanted to continue their education.
Other Ways He Helps
Sharing His Message
Ziauddin has given many talks to share his ideas about education and women's rights. He spoke at a TED Talk, where he explained why he encourages his daughter to speak out. He remembered how his sisters' names were never written down when he was growing up, and how he went to school while they had to stay home. These memories made him want to fight for change.
Awards and Recognition
Honored for His Work
On June 11, 2015, Ziauddin Yousafzai received a special award called an honorary doctorate from Wilfrid Laurier University in Canada. This award recognized his dedication to peace and his ongoing efforts to help girls get an education in Pakistan and around the world.
In 2017, he and his daughter Malala were both given another honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa. These awards show how much his work for education is valued globally.
