Malala’s Fight for Education – And What It Means for Schools Today
- Sensory Street Team
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
Malala Yousafzai grew up in Pakistan’s Swat Valley, where going to school wasn’t something every girl could count on. She refused to accept that education should be a privilege instead of a right. She spoke up, despite the danger. And in 2012, on her way home from school, she was shot by the Taliban for it.
She survived. And she didn’t stop. Malala’s fight for education became bigger than her own story—it became a global movement. She has spent her life standing up for children who are denied the right to learn, reminding the world that education is the key to change.
That belief is something we carry into our own work. Every child should have access to education. But what happens once they’re in the classroom? Are they able to focus? Do they feel safe, supported, and ready to learn?
Because for some children, the struggle doesn’t end at the school gates.
The Barriers We Don’t Always See
Malala’s story reminds us that barriers to learning come in many forms. Sometimes they’re big, like not having a school to go to. Other times, they’re small but just as important - like a child who struggles to sit still, who finds noise overwhelming, or who can’t focus because their mind and body feel out of sync.
We see it every day in schools. The student who can’t settle into their work. The one who fidgets constantly. The one who shuts down when the classroom feels too much. They’re not being difficult. Their brain and body are telling them they need something different before they can fully engage.
Why We Created Sensory Street
Every child deserves an education. But for some, learning starts with movement. They need a way to reset, to calm their minds, to prepare their bodies for focus. That’s why we created Sensory Street - a simple, structured way to help students regulate their energy levels and feel ready to learn.
It’s not just for children with SEND. It helps any student who struggles with focus, concentration, or self-regulation. When we give children the tools to manage their own needs, they feel more in control of their learning. And when that happens, the whole classroom benefits.
How Milestone Can Help
Malala fought for every child to have the chance to learn. We can take that same idea and apply it in practical ways - making sure children don’t just have access to education, but the right support to fully take part.
If you’re looking for ways to help students settle, focus, and engage, we’d love to share ideas. Book your space on our next Sensory Street webinar to see how we can support your school.