On Feb. 7 junior Julia Feldman will be hosting the Malala Visual and Performing Arts Benefit in the Performing Arts and Entertainment Center. At the age of 14, Malala Yousafzai was targeted by the Taliban for her active role in trying to improve educational rights for women in Pakistan. She was shot in the head but survived the wounds and is still advocating for her cause. All the money raised at the event will go toward The Malala Fund, an organization that helps girls in receiving the education they deserve that was created by the survivor herself. The benefit starts at 6 p.m. and will conclude at around 9 p.m.
Feldman got the idea to have the fundraiser for Yousafzai back in Oct. when she was watching The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Yousafzai was being interviewed on her brush with the Taliban. Feldman was touched and utterly inspired by her message and decided to something about it.
“Malala has reminded me that I am so lucky and privileged to be able to go to school and get an education,” said Feldman. “Too often do we take it for granted. Education has the power to change the world, and it is every human’s right to learn.”
A variety of different CHS students will be showcasing their numerous talents throughout the benefit. Art and photography by CHS students will be sold at in the PAEC lobby and live performances will start at 7 p.m. Among some of the acts will be Feldman and her brother performing a duet. Juniors Ayra Goya and Sebastian Guerrero and senior Mack Keane will also be performing.
Feldman hopes that she can inspire other people to get involved in the fight for female education rights. She also wishes to spread awareness for this cause.
“You don’t have to be powerful or wealthy to make a difference,” said Feldman. “You have to be passionate. Hopefully I can strike a passion in the audience, so they will feel inclined to get involved or support something that they are really passionate about.”
Tickets are available online at https://www.vendini.com/ticketsoftware.html?t=tix&e=f5741147e98173965eb724ff3889af3e .
Student tickets are $10 and adult tickets are $15. For more information on The Malala Fund go to www.malalafund.org .
