Nelson Mandela: The Prisoner Who Changed the World (Who Was)
#10 in Who Was . . . ? Series, Who HQ Now
on Goodreads (8)
What’s inside...
This is the exciting story of Nelson Mandela - the man who despite being imprisoned for 27 years never bore a grudge. At times it seemed as though everyone was against him, even his own family, but he never stopped fighting for what he believed in more than anything: true equality for all, no matter what the colour of their skin. Nelson was a young African boy with a reputation for trouble-making. Who would have thought he would one day lead his people to freedom? Nelson grew up at a time when black Africans suffered terrible injustice. He was determined to change this - even if it meant terrible personal danger. Twenty seven years of his life were spent in prison, and everyone seemed to be against him - even his own family - but Nelson never stopped fighting for what he believed in: true equality for all, no matter what the colour of their skin.
Character compass
Nelson Mandela
Discussion points
What qualities do you think made Nelson Mandela a strong leader?
Why do you think it was important for Mandela to fight for equality?
How do you think Mandela felt during his time in prison, and how did it change him?
What can we learn from Nelson Mandela's life about forgiveness and reconciliation?
How do you think our world would be different if there were more leaders like Mandela?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by giving a brief background of apartheid and South Africa to set the historical context for your child.
Encourage your child to think about how they would feel in Mandela’s shoes, fostering empathy and understanding.
Discuss the idea of leadership and what traits your child thinks a good leader should have.
Connect the discussion back to your child’s life by asking them how they can be a leader in their own environment.
Highlight the themes of perseverance and hope; discuss how these can be applied in daily life.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The story of Nelson Mandela demonstrates resilience through his prolonged struggle for freedom and equality despite the hardships of imprisonment.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether they're handling difficult schoolwork or resolving conflicts with peers.
Example Lesson: Equality and Justice
Explanation: Mandela's fight against apartheid highlights the importance of standing up for justice and promoting equal rights for everyone, regardless of their background.
Real-World Application: This inspires children to treat everyone fairly and learn the importance of inclusion in their interactions at school and in the community.
Example Lesson: Forgiveness
Explanation: Despite being imprisoned for 27 years, Mandela forgave those who wronged him, demonstrating that forgiveness is possible even in the face of great injustice.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by practicing forgiveness towards others, helping to resolve conflicts and build stronger relationships.
Example Lesson: Leadership
Explanation: Mandela's leadership in uniting a nation divided by racial discrimination showcases the qualities of a good leader - vision, patience, humility, and the ability to inspire others.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to take initiative in group projects, positively influence their friends, and make decisions that benefit the collective well-being.
Example Lesson: Commitment to a Cause
Explanation: Mandela dedicated his life to a cause he believed in deeply, which teaches the value of passionate commitment to making a difference.
Real-World Application: This can motivate children to engage deeply with activities or causes they care about, such as environmental protection or community service.