It was last year, October 22nd, 2015 that Malala’s petition posted the press release of a successful campaign – requesting the Global Partnership for Education provide free and safe education for girls worldwide. Support poured in on behalf of education for all; and on the day the petition closed, 1,108,071 people worldwide stood #withMalala.

Not only did her petition surpass its goal of one-million signatures, but because Malala gave a voice to the girls in Syria and Nigeria for example, together they secured the education funding requested. The Global Partnership for Education announced its plans to support and expand to a full twelve years of primary and secondary education for even the poorest children and youth.

“My courageous friend, sixteen year-old Muzoon from Syria, goes from tent to tent in her refugee camp in Jordan encouraging girls to stay in school. My sister Amina from the North of Nigeria, where Boko Haram threatens girls for simply wanting to learn, mentors younger girls who continue to want to go to school,” writes Malala.

In Malala’s words: “None of this would have been possible without your support. Because of you, many more of our sisters around the world will now have the chance to receive an education. Your support will have an enormous impact on their lives, the lives of their families, their communities, their countries, and the world. Thank you for standing #withMalala and raising your voice for millions of girls around the globe. Together our voices can change the world.

“In September, world leaders will commit to 12 years of free, safe, quality primary and secondary education for every girl and every boy in the new United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. This commitment holds tremendous promise for my sisters demanding more for their lives. But a commitment only counts if a commitment is kept. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) must lead the way in upholding this commitment, just as it has led way in supporting 9 years of education for millions of children to date.

“The GPE is a major funder of education in some of the world’s poorest countries. It makes possible incredible work to help students all over the world, every day. When countries give money in foreign aid for education lots of it goes to the GPE, and in December its Board of Directors will determine how that money will be used by over 60 nations around the world.”

Read our Intern’s article about Malala’s struggles and achievements: Malala – Education Key To Girl’s Future.

Watch the video ‘He Named Me Malala’ in our Documentaries section: He Named Me Malala.