Education is the only answer (From York Press)

Education is the only answer

12:20pm Saturday 16th February 2013 in Letters By Reader's letter

THE skill of British surgeons in restoring Malala Yousafzai shows Britain at its best to the world.

This girl was shot in the head by the Taliban, who objected to her studying books and trying to gain an education. Taliban means student; their “studies” clearly tell them life is worth nothing. They are thugs.

In the long term education is the only solution, perhaps not as exciting as killing from the “Reaper” drones, but it is the only way to lift people out of ignorance.

Education also serves to lower birth rates in the developing world because it empowers women.

I have been supporting educational projects in a modest way for a very long time.

When books were first printed, a book cost three years’ average salary and only churches and the very wealthy could afford them. Perhaps the example of Malala might persuade City of York Council to value its libraries more.

As a source of children’s reading I found them invaluable.

Chris Clayton, Hempland Drive, York.