Nelson Mandela

My Childhood in a Village

Hello. My name is Rolihlahla, which in my language means ‘to pull a branch off a tree,’ or sometimes, ‘troublemaker.’ But really, I was just a curious boy. I grew up in a small village called Qunu in South Africa. My days were filled with sunshine and adventure. I didn't have fancy toys like you might have. Instead, my friends and I played games in the wide-open fields, slid down big, smooth rocks, and swam in the cool streams. I also had important jobs. I helped look after the sheep and the young calves, making sure they were safe and sound. In the evenings, I loved to sit and listen to the elders of my village. They told wonderful stories about our ancestors and our history. They taught me that everyone’s voice is important and that the best leaders are the ones who listen to everyone. This was one of the first and most important lessons of my life.

Learning About Fairness

When I grew older, I moved to the big city of Johannesburg. For the first time, I saw things that made my heart very sad. There was a terrible rule in my country called apartheid. This was a law that said people should be kept apart just because of the color of their skin. People with dark skin like me were not allowed to go to the same schools, eat in the same restaurants, or even sit on the same park benches as people with light skin. It wasn't fair, and it wasn't kind. I knew in my heart that this was wrong. I dreamed of a South Africa where all children could play together and all grown-ups would be treated with respect. I said to myself, 'I must do something to help.' So, I decided to become a lawyer. As a lawyer, I could use my voice to stand up for people who were treated unfairly. I wasn't alone. I joined many other brave people who also believed in a fair and equal South Africa for everyone.

A Long Walk to a Rainbow Nation

Because I spoke out against the unfair rules, the people in charge became angry. They sent me away to a prison on an island. I was kept there for twenty-seven years, a very, very long time. I was separated from my family and my friends, and I missed them every single day. It was hard, and I often felt lonely, but I never, ever gave up hope. I held onto my dream for a better future for my country. Then one incredible day, in 1990, I was finally set free. People all around the world celebrated. A few years later, I became the first president of a new South Africa where everyone could vote. My biggest dream was to build what I called a 'Rainbow Nation,' a country where people of all different colors could live together in peace, like the beautiful colors of a rainbow. I learned that even after sad things happen, love and forgiveness are the most powerful tools to make the world a better place.