Scene of the attack in Pakistan. In early October the Taliban opened fire on Malala Yousafzai, a teenage champion of girls' education in Pakistan. Two of her friends were also wounded in the attack in Pakistan's restive Swat valley.

Former British Prime Minister Gordon Brown - who is visiting Pakistan as the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education telephoned the two schoolgirls

They spoke about their conversations.

(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SCHOOLGIRL WOUNDED WHEN TALIBAN SHOT MALALA YOUSAFZAI, KIANAT RIAZ, SAYING:

"About half an hour back, Mr. Gordon Brown telephoned to find out about my health. He asked, 'How are feeling, child? How are your wounds? Do you have temperature?' I answered, 'Sir, I am fine. By the grace of Allah, I am much better.' He asked, 'What do you want to be in the future?' I said, 'Sir, I want to be a doctor, God willing.' He said, 'I am with you always. Let me know if you have any problems.'"

UN officials have declared Saturday Malala Day.

(SOUNDBITE) (Urdu) SHAZIA RAMAZAN, SAYING:

"He asked if Malala had called us. I told him, 'Yes, her father called to inquire about my well-being.' We also asked him about Malala's condition."

At a school in Swat Valley prayers for Malala.The UN says some 32 million girls worldwide are denied access to education