The Girl Who Balanced the Books

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Liberia

This video plays on the NobelPrize.org website.

Watch the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s Nobel Peace Prize lecture, December 2011.

Video from NobelPrize.org, in English.

Also worth a look: Read her Nobel lecture, from NobelPrize.org.

Think about it

Can a leader do great things and also make serious mistakes? How should history judge someone like that?

More questions from this chapter

Leaving. At about 23, Ellen left her four young sons with relatives to study in America. It gave her the education that shaped her life, and it cost her years with her children. Was it the right choice? Could you have made it?
The wrong side. Ellen wanted a dictator gone so badly that she backed a rebel who turned out to be worse. How can you tell when “the enemy of my enemy” is not really a friend?

Your turn: Ellen’s first job was keeping the books for a car-repair shop. What small skill you have now might turn out to matter more than you expect?

For parents and teachers: these videos come from news organizations and official channels. You may want to watch first with younger readers.