Your messages of support for the Girls of Chibok and their families
The schoolgirls of Chibok have not been forgotten – the vigils being held around the world on July 23 to mark the 100th day since their kidnapping are testament to that.
The plight of the Nigerian girls – missing their school and their families and denied their basic human rights – has touched the hearts of millions of people.
A World at School invited readers to send messages of support, which will be passed to Chibok community leaders and the girls' families. Many have also signed our online petition calling for the safe return of the students, who are being held by Boko Haram.
Gordon Brown, United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, will send the petition to Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon. The girls' families have also signed the petition.
Here we print just a few of your messages of support.
Alice from Kenya said: “As a Global Youth Ambassador for A World at School, I am writing in solidarity with the 200 girls abducted from their school nearly 100 days ago in northern Nigeria. The world has not forgotten about you, you are our sisters and friends. We are praying for your safe return and rallying for safety in schools.”
Vishnu from India: “I am ashamed to live in such a world where religious, cultural and racial terrorism is happening. I wish I could come there and help you all. I wish I could give my life to save those poor innocent lives. I wish I had the power to overthrow such an arrogant Islamic terrorist group and bring peace to such a beautiful land. From a loving brother.”
Margaret from the UK: “I cannot imagine losing my daughter. My heart is with all you parents. Education is a human right and these barbarians should get educated.”
Sofia from Mexico: “Our religion, sex, age or beliefs don't matter. We are all here for you and we are feeling your pain. We sincerely hope that the government get us back each and every one of our missing girls.”
Christoforos from Cambodia: “Nothing prepares a child better for the future than a good education. Being involved in humanitarian work, I notice time and again how crucial women and girls are in making their local communities progress. Girls can be the agents of change but, too often, they are held back by poverty and denial of their rights. Any child has to be guaranteed the right to get a proper start in life.”
Aja from the USA: “Girls, our hearts and hopes are with you. You are the future and we all cannot be free until you, too, are free. The world will mend this wrong and create safe schools for all children.”
Tahiti from Pakistan: “I stand in love and solidarity with the Chibok girls abducted by Boko Haram 100 days ago and with their parents too. I demand that the Nigerian government make stronger, urgent efforts to Bring Back Our Girls.”
Helen from the UK: “I cannot even begin to imagine the terror or other emotions you're feeling. But please be strong and know that the world is working together, because of what you're going through, to fight for YOU and for other boys, girls, men and women who are held captive by injustices.”
Dilu from Nepal: “Please send them back.”
OTHER 100-DAY VIGILS COVERAGE: Worldwide vigils on July 23 and five vigils from history to inspire you.