Nelson Mandela was, and always will be, one of the greatest leaders in history. Although accused of treason, Nelson Mandela did not stop defending human rights and democratic society in South Africa and made a positive impact by achieving independence for his country. Rolihlahla Mandela was born in Mvezo, Transkei, on 18 July 1918. Due to her father's work misfortunes, the family was forced to move to live in huts in the smaller village, Qunu, when Mandela was just an infant. For food they could only afford harvest products, which they cooked outdoors, while for water they drank from a nearby spring. For games, Mandela staged male rites of passage with toys made from natural materials he obtained from the surrounding nature. Mandela was baptized and became the first in his family to attend school and, as customary, the teacher gave him a British name, Nelson. When Mandela was 12, his father died of lung disease. Feeling obliged, Chief Jongintaba adopted Mandela and took him to the royal chief's residence in Mqhekezweni and gave him the status and responsibility equal to two of his own sons. From then on Mandela studied in a one-room school next to the palace. It was then that he became interested in African history and learned about the British's unfair treatment of defenseless Africans. At the age of 16 Mandela received the traditional ritual that marked his entry into adulthood. As for education, as king, Mandela first attended Clarkebury Boarding Institute and Wesleyan College, then University College Fort Hare in 1939 to prepare for work as an interpreter or clerk. During Mandela's second year at Fort Hare, he was elected Studen......middle of paper......and Prize, keys to cities and honorary degrees. Many statues were erected in honor of Nelson Mandela, many bridges and streets named after him, and postage stamps made with his portraits. A museum, filled to the brim with things relating to Mandela and his rebellious activities against the government, was located near the village of Qunu. A funding group called the Nelson Mandela Children's Fund was also created to help African children improve the treatment they receive from others, and Nelson Mandela AIDS was created to make a contribution to the treatment of AIDS victims in Africa. Nelson Mandela was a great leader who, despite all the difficulties, was able to change the life of his country for the better. He did not lose hope after his imprisonment. Instead, he chose to challenge the government more by rejecting its proposals for freedom.