Celebrating Malala Day

This short play for elementary students shares the inspiring story of Malala Yousafzai and introduces other courageous women in history.

Malala Day is celebrated on July 12th each year. It’s named after Malala, a Pakistani activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner who advocates for girls’ education. The day was established by the United Nations in 2013 to raise awareness of the need for universal access to education for girls and children. An extremist military group called the Taliban shot Malala in 2012. She was only 15 years old. After recovering from the attack, Malala continued her work and became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The date is also her birthday.

CHARACTERS:

Narrator
Malala Yousafzai
Marie Curie
Rosa Parks
Amelia Earhart
Frida Kahlo
Child 1
Child 2
Child 3

Scene 1: A Classroom Discussion

(The stage is set as a classroom. The students are sitting at their desks, and the teacher is standing at the front with “Malala Day” written on the board.)

Narrator:
Today, the students are learning about an inspiring girl named Malala. In fact, there is a special day named after her because she was so courageous. You see, Malala believed that education was for everyone, not just boys. This class is about to get a visit from some famous women in history who have also made the world a better place.

Child 1:
I know Malala fought for girls’ education, but what exactly is Malala Day?

Child 2:
And why is it important?

Child 3:
Is it just about going to school, or is there more to it?

Narrator:
Just as the students started asking questions, the classroom began to glow with a magical light. Suddenly, some of the most famous women from history appeared to help them understand the significance of Malala Day!

Scene 2: Malala Yousafzai’s Story

(Malala Yousafzai enters, holding a book and standing with a bright, confident smile.)

Malala Yousafzai:
Hello, everyone! I’m Malala, and I’m here to share my story with you. When I was a young girl in Pakistan, I loved going to school, but one day, the Taliban-an extremist group-tried to stop girls from getting an education.

Child 2:
Wait, you couldn’t go to school just because you’re a girl?

Malala Yousafzai:
Yes, many girls were banned from going to school. But I believed that education was a right for everyone-not just boys. I spoke out for girls’ education, even though it was dangerous.

Scene 3: The Power of Courage

Narrator:
Malala stood up for her rights, but that wasn’t easy. She was even attacked for speaking out, but she didn’t give up. Instead, she became even stronger and continued her fight for education around the world.

Child 1:
Wow, you’re so brave, Malala!

Malala Yousafzai:
Thank you. It’s not just my story, though. There are so many women throughout history who showed courage and stood up for what they believed in, even when it was difficult.

(The room brightens as more famous women from history arrive.)