Nelson Mandela was born on July 18, 1918, in Mvezo in South Africa. He grew up in a small village with his family. Life was simple, and he learned important things like respect, discipline, and helping others.
As a child, he liked to listen to stories from older people in his village. These stories taught him about courage and leadership. Later, he went to school and became the first person in his family to get a good education.
He studied law because he wanted to help people who were treated unfairly. Even when he was young, Mandela believed that all people should have the same rights.
What Was Apartheid?
At that time, South Africa had a system called apartheid. Apartheid meant that black and white people had to live separately. White people had more rights, better schools, better jobs, and more freedom.
Black people could not vote. Many families had to live in poor areas. They had fewer chances in life, and many people suffered because of these unfair laws.
Nelson Mandela believed this was wrong. He thought all people should be equal, no matter their skin color.
Fighting Against Apartheid
He joined the African National Congress, also called ANC. This group wanted freedom and equal rights for black people. At first, Mandela used peaceful protests. He gave speeches, joined meetings, and asked for justice. He wanted change without violence.
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