Every year on 18 July — the day Nelson Mandela was born — the UN joins a call by the Nelson Mandela Foundation to devote

UNAI Member New York University will be running a course this summer related to the United Nations, beginning on 29 July.

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When I say Malala, you say day; Malala… Day!...Malala…Day!

On the day of July 12, 2013,  I felt as if I was reborn into a greater person. I also saw this same type of rebirth to everyone around me.  The Malala in all of us shined that day…

I feel that the most valuable thing we took from that day was each other. Over six hundred students from over eighty countries came together for one cause. Just being at the UN conference room, you could feel a sense of unity. We all seemed to leave a piece of ourselves to whoever we met that day. When I personally think back to my experiences that day, I challenge myself to see how far I can help my family, my town, and my country.

We all shined like stars on Malala Day. We didn't shine spread out, like in the sky. But rather in a beautiful new constellation that seems to say as one, you can't stop us.

--Leila Bouchekouk, is an Algerian-American young woman, an Honors student, and a member of UNAI ASPIRE of East Stroudsburg South High School

The Power of Millions


Malala Day on July 12th was education in action for Joey Fertig and Leila Bouchekouk, students in my 9th Grade World History Honors class.  As we queued up to be admitted, Joey and Leila socialized, shared and listened to ideas and experiences. They talked effortlessly to peers from Afghanistan, Grenada, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom.  This dialogue of youth continued throughout the day and across social networks. They traded emails, Twitter handles, and screen names. Facebook pages were created, Tweets with #MalalaDay were sent, and text messages and photos exchanged.  Malala's speech was shared with the world instantly.  A community was built. Joey, Leila, and all of these youth are global citizens in a 21st Century World that transcends national borders.  They live in a world made much smaller through social media.

The United Nations cannot be in every city, in every town, in every village, but these young global citizens can. They take the message of the United Nations with them throughout the world. Honorable Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon has launched the Education First initiative to renew and reinvigorate the United Nations call to global education. These students have answered this call in many voices. They leave the United Nations speaking in many languages but they all have the power of millions in the body of one.

-Michael Healey, Educator and Adviser, UNAI ASPIRE of East Strousburg South High School

A Reflection on Malala Day

My first experience at the UN was Malala Day, broadcast and seen worldwide. I felt so privileged to be chosen to go. A connection I made was with a woman named Norah, who works for the UN Geneva. After meeting Norah, I was inspired to change my career path because of her passion for her work. I hope to feel this much passion for my career. From the moment I stepped into the UN, I knew I wanted to work there and with people from around the world. I learned about Malala in my 9th grade World History class. Despite being shot by the Taliban she stayed passionate about her education and the education of others. Hearing this, I wanted to see her in person but I never thought I would actually be able to. This 16-year-old woman has inspired me, and millions around the world, to advocate for a quality education for the voiceless. I also learned how to portray your self on social media from the Making Change Online breakout session. On my trip to the UN, I had an experience that I will never forget. In the future I would love to work for the UN, meet diplomats from other countries, and someday… present at the UN.  I will bring these experiences back to my community by networking with the connections and friends that I made and develop a plan to implement the Education First movement in our community.

Joey Fertig is an Honors Student and a member of UNAI ASPIRE of East Stroudsburg South High SchoolManaging waters shared across national boundaries