Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Malala Yousafzai goes back to school in Birmingham after brutal attack in Pakistan

Campaigner for girls' education says she is looking forward to learning ancient Greek

Steve Anderson
Wednesday 20 March 2013 07:31 EDT
Comments
Malala began her first day at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham yesterday
Malala began her first day at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham yesterday (PA)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Malala Yousafzai, the girl who was shot in the head by extremists in Pakistan after campaigning for education for girls, has returned to school after being treated for her injuries in the UK.

The 15-year-old began her first day at Edgbaston High School in Birmingham yesterday - the city's oldest independent school for girls - where she will study the full curriculum before selecting her GCSE options next year.

She already speaks fluent English and her return to education speaks volumes for the cause that left her in a life-threatening condition last October when Taliban militants shot her on her school bus for writing a blog in support of girls' schooling.

After the attack Malala was flown to the UK, and following a series of gruelling operations at the Birmingham Queen Elizabeth Hospital, she was allowed to return home last month.

In a statement Malala said she was “excited” to have “achieved my dream of going back to school,” and said that among other subjects she was looking forward to learning about the Greek gods and taking up ancient Greek.

“I want all girls in the world to have this basic opportunity. I miss my classmates from Pakistan very much but I am looking forward to meeting my teachers and making new friends here in Birmingham,” she said.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in