I will not let the day end without leaving my testimony of thanks to Nelson Mandela for the example he has given to young people around the world for several decades. As you know, the one who was known as the father of the South African nation has died today at age 95, and we will remember him not only as a brave man who gave his nation freedom, but as a person dedicated to childhood who managed to increase the number of children attending school in their country.
Mandela presided with his wife Graça Machel a foundation in defense of children, thinking that all children deserve the same opportunities, and also that education can change the world, because according to him it is the most powerful weapon to do so. This man also opted for sport, and especially for bringing it closer to the black population, who had become banned from accessing football matches. In 1994 (four years after his release) elections were held in South Africa, and after being elected he was able to launch democracy in a country marked by the Apartheid system. Nelson Mandela began to work without rancor, and the changes that everyone wanted began to materialize: coexistence between races was possible, and blacks had free access to education.
Today not only has a Nobel Peace Prize died, but a fighter for equality, hope, tolerance and justice, which we can consider a revolutionary who was not afraid to ask for change; because fear is the last thing needed when freedom is sought.
I have already told my children who it was (who is still in our memory and our heart) Nelson Mandela, because I consider it one of the most influential people that brought us last century. And because I think it is essential that the knowledge they acquire in school is complemented by the thorough discovery of people who have not invented or discovered anything, but have taught us all humanity.
