Monica Schipper/Getty ImagesMalala Yousafzai is speaking out for the 300 Nigerian schoolgirls who were abducted by the Islamist terrorist group Boko Haram one year ago.
The 17-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner and education activist penned an open letter Monday condemning the actions of the Boko Haram and asking the world not to forget the kidnapped girls.
"To my brave sisters, the kidnapped schoolgirls of Chibok, on this first anniversary of your captivity, I write to you with a message of solidarity, love and hope," Yousafzai writes. "I am one of the millions of people around the world who keep you and your families foremost in our thoughts and prayers. We cannot imagine the full extent of the horrors you have endured. But please know this: We will never forget you. We will always stand with you. Today and every day, we call on the Nigerian authorities and the international community to do more to bring you home. We will not rest until you have been reunited with your families."
"Like you, I was a target of militants who did not want girls to go to school," Yousafzai adds. "Gunmen shot me and two of my friends on a school bus. All three of us survived and are back in school. Now we speak out on behalf of all girls about the right to get a proper education. Our campaign will continue until you and all girls and boys around the world are able to access a free, safe and quality secondary education."
Yousafzai goes on to recount her visit to Nigeria to meet with the girls' "grief-stricken" families after the kidnapping. "They love you, and they miss you," she writes. "My father and I promised your parents and the girls who had escaped that we would do all we could to help them. I met Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and urged him to work harder for your freedom. I also asked President Jonathan to meet your parents and the girls who escaped the kidnapping, which he did a few days later. Still, in my opinion, Nigerian leaders and the international community have not done enough to help you. They must do much more to help secure your release. I am among many people pressuring them to make sure you are freed."
"Remember that one day your tragic ordeal will end, you will be reunited with your families and friends, and you will have the chance to finish the education you courageously sought," Yousafzai concludes. "I look forward to the day I can hug each one of you, pray with you, and celebrate your freedom with your families. Until then, stay strong, and never lose hope. You are my heroes. Your sister, Malala."