From Left: Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training, Malala Yousafzai and Curtis R. Manchoon, Chairman of the Board of Governors - UTT

Malala Yousafzai, the seventeen year old global education activist, whose cause is synopsised in her book, I Am Malala, is in Trinidad and Tobago on the invitation of The University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT) as part of UTT's 10th anniversary celebrations. Malala, who arrived Sunday at Piarco International Airport on Caribbean Airlines flight BW902 will be a guest of the University and will speak at two (2) public engagements on the 30th & 31st July, 2014. On hand to greet Malala and her travelling party upon arrival, were Senator the Honourable Fazal Karim, Minister of Tertiary Education and Skills Training (MTEST), UTT's Chairman, Mr. Curtis R. Manchoon and UTT's Acting President & Provost, Dr. Fazal Ali, among others

In addressing the media and enthusiastic supporters upon her arrival, Malala referred to the mountains and the beauty of Trinidad and Tobago which was visible to her from her aerial vantage point aboard the Caribbean Airlines plane.  She indicated that "the people [of Trinidad and Tobago] are nicer than the beauty of this place" and stated that she really "look[ed] forward to meeting the children of Trinidad and Tobago". Also addressing the audience was UTT's Chairman, Curtis R. Manchoon, who remarked that "Malala is a beacon of inspiration to the many persons worldwide who support her clarion call for the right of all to education".

On July 14th, ‘Malala Day', Minister Karim, announced the historic visit of Malala Yousafzai to the media.  Since then, there has been an overwhelming response to this visit by members of the public. As a result, the events on 30th & 31st July, 2014, will be carried live on radio and television as well as streamed on UTT's website at www.u.tt

As an international advocate for education and children's rights, Malala recently joined with world leaders, adding her voice to the global call for the release of Nigeria's 200 abducted girls.
Through the Malala Fund, the official organisation led by Malala Yousafzai which is focused on "helping girls go to school and raise their voices for the right to education", Malala continues to pioneer unchartered territory with her advocacy.

Members of the public wishing to contribute to the Malala Fund can do so at First Citizens via account #142-9625. Deposits can be made at any First Citizens branch. Persons wishing to deposit directly should indicate their organisation or name and include the name ‘MALALA' with their deposits.

UTT's Corporate Communications Department