By Bobby Ellis
bobby.ellis@education.ky.gov
It’s not every day that I get to see an internationally acclaimed figure sitting on a gym floor smiling and laughing with children, but that’s exactly what happened when Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi visited the Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary (Fayette County).
Satyarthi won the Nobel Peace Prize – along with Malala Yousafzai – in 2014. Satyarthi won the award for his advocacy of children’s rights.
From the moment he walked through the door, greeted by children in traditional clothing from around the world, Satyarthi was all smiles, high-fiving and shaking the hands of students.
In the gymnasium, Satyarthi spoke to the entire school assembly, danced and sang with students, and took their questions on various topics. His message was simple: think of every child in the world as your friend, and change the world with love and kindness.
“How many of you want to be a world changer,” asked Satyarthi.
The assembly raised their hands.
“Then do it. And be sure to smile.”
Kailash Satyarthi, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, is greeted by children at Maxwell Spanish Immersion Elementary (Fayette County).
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Kailash Satyarthi, left, and his wife, Sumedha, sit in front of a crowd of children before speaking at Maxwell Elementary (Fayette County).
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
A group of Maxwell Elementary students performs for Kailash Satyarthi during his visit to the school. The students performed a song for the Nobel Peace Prize winner and also presented him with a photo collage and other gifts.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Kailash Satyarthi sings along with a song being sung by Maxwell Elementary students during his visit to the school.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Rosie Kate, a 2nd-grader, gives a high-five to Kailash Satyarthi during his visit to the school. Satyarthi visited the school to speak to students about his experiences. He also sang songs with students and answered their questions on various topics.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Ada Burris, a 5th-grader, stands with Kailash Satyarthi after asking him a question during his visit to the school.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi speaks to students at Maxwell Elementary (Fayette County). Satyarthi told students that they should try to smile every day and love their enemies as much as their friends.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi talks to students at Maxwell Elementary (Fayette County). Satyarthi said that students should try to make friends no matter where they go in life.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi asks students at Maxwell Elementary (Fayette County) who wants to make a difference in the world after speaking at the school and taking questions from students.
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
Nobel Peace Prize winner Kailash Satyarthi takes a selfie with students with students at Maxwell Elementary (Fayette County).
Photo by Bobby Ellis, Sept. 23, 2016
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