Malala's Story Quiz

Malala Yousafzai is a Pashtun, a member of a large tribe found in both Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Malala was born in Mingora, the biggest city of the Swat Valley, a region known for its stunning natural beauty in northwest Pakistan.

Malala's name is a tribute to Malalai, a courageous Pashtun woman who inspired her people with her bravery.

Malala's family hails from mountain villages in Pakistan, but they moved to Mingora after getting married.

Malala has a brother named Khushal who is 14 and loves to annoy her.

Malala enjoys teasing others by cracking her knuckles and believes that every action has an equal and opposite reaction, in line with Newton's Laws of Motion.

Malala has a younger brother named Atal who is 10 years old and is good at chasing after the cricket ball.

Malala has thoughts on various topics, including her opinion on Bella Swan's character in Twilight and a general observation that boys' backpacks and uniforms are usually messy.

A childhood game played in the alleys, where the goal is to chase and tag other players. It's like a simpler version of Tag, but with more running around.

A game where players try to throw a ball into a target, similar to baseball but played on a smaller scale. Often played with a ball made from a sock stuffed with rubbish.

A game of hopscotch which is named after the word "frog" in Urdu.

A game where one person acts like a thief and tries to steal something, while others try to catch them.

A TV show about a boy with a magic pencil, which is particularly popular with young children.

A game where children ring a doorbell and then run away, trying to avoid being caught.

A way for the author and her friend Safina to communicate secretly, by tapping on a wall between their houses.

The author's favourite toy - a pink plastic cell phone that was a gift from her father.

A tradition of revenge in Pashtun culture where one insult or death necessitates another, creating a cycle of violence.

A Pashtun philosophy emphasizing hospitality and generosity, where guests are treated with utmost respect and care.

A key aspect of Pashtunwali emphasizing generosity and providing for those in need, often through sharing resources and extending help.

A term in Pashtun culture that translates to 'child,' signifying a child's innocence and the understanding that even the most accomplished individuals were once children.

The Pashtun way of life, a complex code of ethics and cultural practices that governs social interactions and expectations. It includes values like hospitality, revenge, and honour.

A game of hide-and-seek enjoyed by Malala and her friends in the winter, involving hiding and seeking among the giant stones resembling umbrellas.

Ancient Buddhist structures found in the ruins near Malala’s home, often identified by their characteristic dome-like shape.

A historical figure revered in Pakistan, known for his role in founding the nation and believed to be a leader who made mistakes in his youth.

The practice of women covering their faces and bodies in public, especially prevalent in some Muslim cultures.

A head covering worn by some Muslim women, where only the eyes are visible.

A long, flowing black robe that covers the head and face, leaving no skin visible.

A type of social interaction where women are expected to walk behind men, lower their gaze in the presence of men, and limit interaction with men due to social customs.

A feeling of awe and fascination with the world of men and its associated subjects, such as politics and matters of significance.

The vibrant and lively atmosphere of a gathering of women, marked by their relaxed demeanor and freedom of expression, particularly the absence of veils.

The act of hiding one's identity and true self, often due to social pressures or expectations.

A strong personal belief that one's physical appearance, particularly one's face, is a fundamental part of their identity and should not be concealed.

In Pakistani culture, a boy's birth is celebrated with fanfare and gifts, while a girl's birth is met with sympathy for the mother.

Malala's father defied tradition by inscribing her name on the family tree, a symbol of patriarchal lineage, alongside her male siblings.

A Pakistani cultural song about Malalai, a Pashtun warrior queen who fought for her people's freedom. Malala's father sang this song to her as a child, inspiring a sense of courage and ambition.

Malala's father recognized her potential from a young age and encouraged her education. This was a very unusual trait for a father in Pakistani society.

Though Malala was allowed to pursue education, she still faced limitations due to cultural norms. Her freedom was restricted in certain ways, like not being able to become a lawyer or engineer.

Even though her father championed her education, Malala still faced traditional expectations and limitations in Pakistani society.

Malala's father ran a school, offering her unique access to education and a supportive environment.

Malala's dream of being free like a bird represented her yearning for a life without restrictions and the right to pursue her full potential.

Malala's early passion for learning is evident as she would lecture to herself in baby talk and eagerly participate in older children's classes.

Malala's father's dedication to providing education for others is showcased through his multiple roles at the school, including teacher, accountant, and principal.

Despite financial difficulties, Malala's family prioritized education, demonstrating their commitment to pursuing knowledge despite limited resources.

Malala's childhood experiences were heavily intertwined with the school, signifying its importance in shaping her identity and perspective.

Malala's anticipation for attending school reflects her enthusiasm for learning and her desire to embrace formal education.