Growing Up of Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela grew up in an area in South Africa called the Transkei, where a group of people called the Xhosa live. His family was important in their community. His dad was a leader, and young Nelson heard stories about their ancestors’ bravery in protecting their homeland.
Nelson Mandela: Learning and Helping
Mandela went to school and learned different things from his tribe’s traditions and English-style schooling. He even went to college, where he met important friends like Oliver Tambo.
Nelson Mandela wasn’t just smart; he was a bit of a rebel too. He joined the African National Congress (ANC), a group that fought against apartheid, a system that separated people by their race in South Africa.
Walter Sisulu, an experienced activist, became his teacher. Mandela studied law and, with Sisulu’s help, started a group in 1944 called the Congress Youth League to push the ANC to be better at fighting apartheid.
Peaceful Protests to Fighting Back
The fight against apartheid started with peaceful protests. But then, Mandela and his friends believed in a more forceful approach. They convinced the ANC to create a group called Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK). MK’s plan was to sabotage things to stop other countries from investing in South Africa.
In 1962, Mandela was arrested for the second time after hiding for a while. He went to court and spoke for himself, but they still said he did things he wasn’t supposed to. They sent him to prison for five years.
Conclusion
Mandela’s life took a big turn in 1962. He arrested again and put on trial with his friends. They didn’t get the death penalty, but they had to stay in prison for life. They were taken to a place called Robben Island.
For 27 years, Nelson Mandela stayed in prison, but he didn’t lose hope. He kept learning and thinking about what was right. In 1990, he finally released because people all over the world wanted him to be free.
When he came out of prison, he was still strong and smart. He wanted to bring democracy to South Africa. Mandela’s life story is all about hope and working hard for fairness and peace.
