On October 9, 2012, Malala Yousafzai, a young activist for girls’ education, survived an assassination attempt by Taliban gunmen, in her home country of Pakistan. Her wounds were felt worldwide, including by Daraja students and staff.

Check out what happened last year, when Daraja students were asked what steps they could take to let Malala know she is not alone. The final result of this brainstorming? Take a look.

Since last October, Daraja students have been thinking of, praying for, and asking about Malala, her health, and her fight for women’s rights.

On July 12th, 2013, Malala not only celebrated her 16th birthday, but she also delivered an address to the United Nations, about the importance of global access to education.

Daraja students, in hopes to show their support from afar, signed a poster for Malala, wishing her a happy birthday and expressing messages of support.

“Thank you a lot for supporting girls education. You are amazing! Be blessed,” Jesica, Form 3.

“I am so glad to know your story, we really love you,” Winrose, Form 1.

“Thank you for taking such an amazing action for education. I treasure you a lot,” Juliet, Form 2.

During Malala’s speech on July 12, she declared that her birthday, Malala Day, is not a holiday for her, but a holiday for every woman, boy and girl who have raised their voices to fight for their rights. Malala, and the hundreds of young education activists standing with her during her address, called on all women and girls to use their voice, and to stand up to fight for education. They called on governments to ensure education for each child. They called on all communities to embrace tolerance and reject prejudice.

Malala closed her talk with this quote, “One child, one teacher, one book, and one pen can change the world. Education is the only solution.”

We couldn’t agree more.