WCP Awardee Donates Prize to UN

January 8, 2015

Unlocking Word Meanings
 今日の単語・フレーズ

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article. 

1. nominee /ˌnɒm əˈni/ (n.) – a person who is chosen to be a candidate
Example: The speaker introduced the nominees for the Nobel Prize.

2. outstanding /ˌaʊtˈstæn dɪŋ/ (adj.) – excellent and very impressive
Example: He was an outstanding student; he even graduated with honors.

3. right /raɪt/ (n.) – a claim on something or a claim to do certain actions
Example: Every child has the right to get proper education.

4. morale /məˈræl/ (n.) – emotional and mental state of a person in a particular situation
Example: Receiving help from others can boost people’s morale.

5. laureate /ˈlɔr i ɪt/ (n.) – a person who receives an award and gets recognized
Example: She was the youngest laureate when she won the Nobel Prize earlier this year.


Article
 ニュース記事

Read the text below.
Malala Yousafzai [yoo-SAF-zahy], Nobel Peace Prize 2014 awardee, donated her entire World’s Children Prize (WCP) money to United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine [PAL-uh-stahyn] Refugees (UNRWA).

The 17-year-old education advocate received the $50,000 cash prize last October 2014 after getting the highest vote for the WCP award. Each year, the WCP chooses three nominees who have outstanding stories promoting child’s rights. Children from around the world will vote for the winner via an election held in registered schools or organizations. This year, about two million children voted.

In a news conference during the awarding ceremony, Yousafzai thanked the youth for believing in her capabilities. The ceremony was held in Sweden where Queen Silvia herself gave the award to Yousafzai.

Instead of keeping the money, Yousafzai decided to give it to the UNRWA. She wanted to help rebuild 65 damaged schools in Gaza, Palestine, which was severely affected by the conflict between Israel and Hamas, an Islamic organization. She said that rebuilding the schools can promote quality education, which can help in attaining peace.

In response, the UNRWA expressed its gratitude to Yousafzai and said that her help will boost the morale not only by its students but also by its teaching staff.

Yousafzai is the first person to win the WCP and Nobel Peace Prize in the same year. She’s the world’s youngest Nobel laureate and the second person to win both awards. Nelson Mandela, former president of South Africa, was the first person to win both prizes.

Viewpoint Discussion
 ディスカッションテーマ

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.  

Discussion A

·         If you were the WCP winner, would you also donate your entire prize? Why or why not?
·         Why do you think Malala Yousafzai donated her prize?

Discussion B

·         If given the chance, what kind of project would you launch to help boost people’s morale?
·         What cause or advocacy would you like to be active in? Why?

January 8, 2015