The importance of Education: Revisiting Nelson Mandela quotes on Education and what his Legacy means to the African child.

 NELSON MANDELA QUOTES ON EDUCATION: Lessons Learnt.

 

By: Barigye Doreen

 

Nelson Mandela was a man well respected globally. He carried varied and numerous titles throughout his life. Connie Loo of the Borgen Project describes him as a revolutionary, nonviolent anti-apartheid activist, philanthropist, human rights activist, the first black president of South Africa, and a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Mandela had a passion for education.  Throughout his life, he made an enormous contribution to education. 

 

He put education in such a prime position because he believed that; and I quote, `through education all would have an equal opportunity to the world. And these equal opportunities would then guarantee freedom, democracy and a harmonised society.`

 

He further said, `Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.`He did not stop there but encouraged young people to go ahead and obtain the highest education possible so that they could represent `us` well in the future as future leaders. 

 

Well in Africa, a child belonged to the society until recently with the introduction of children rights that the terrain of parenting quickly changed. Children always received chastening from whoever deemed fit no matter whether is the parent or not and it was generally accepted and also done responsibly.  Not only chastening but complete advise for life. Listening to Mandela, there is a sense that he took upon his shoulders the burden of generations from a higher level. He became like the favourite uncle, aunt, dad or even grandfather that children always run to once they need answers. Nelson Mandela was single-handedly able to do this from a higher place. His own inspiring life story touched many. His legacy lives on through the many funds and foundations he established during his lifetimes such as the Nelson Mandela Children Foundation and The Mandela Rhodes Foundation. 

 

In fact, the same words we echo now as being uttered by Nelson Mandela, sound familiar. Neighbours, uncles, aunties, dads, moms and grandparents in the 90`s recognised the importance of education. Each, in their languages, told this to the young generation. We can hear `my daughter, my son go to school and secure your future`. Or study hard, get good grades and other things will fall in line`. We can also recall the adage, `Education is the light for the future`. Or even `the educated will be the leaders of tomorrow`. 

 

Education has placed many in places of leadership. But what is leadership? Some of the children of the ’90s are now the breadwinners of the extended family. That is leadership. The same children are C.E.O’s of companies, others hold good positions in workplaces but also in the business world. That is leadership! I will not forget the political scene; a very sensitive part although we just saw that leadership isn’t limited to political placement but also the key roles played in society. 

 

`Education is the greatest engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, the son of a mineworker can become the head of the mine, that the child of the farmworkers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from the other`, says Mandela. 

 

The above quote is self-explanatory. It is a big reality about many great men and women of today. Education created that express wheel for them. Now they boast of great accomplishments and contributions to their society. 

 

One may ask, the tycoons of today never saw the black/ whiteboard. It is a valid statement but I wish that each one broadens their imaginations to see what works for them and what doesn`t. However, I can imagine that education is not all about generating income for the beholder. Education also opens to him/ her to a new world of knowledge and understanding. In addition, we learn new languages at school so that we can communicate beyond the borders of our countries. As Nelson Mandela properly said, `Without language, one cannot talk to people and understand them; one cannot share their hopes and aspirations, grasp their history, appreciate their poetry or savour their songs.` 

 

How about the shaping and making of our attitudes? Let me see one who thinks that education plays an important role in the shaping of attitudes. We can also trace the shaping of attitudes through informal education. In the same vein, Nelson Mandela recognised the power of formal Education when he said the `A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special`.

 

In Africa, there is a slogan; `I am because we are since we are therefore I am` (UBUNTU). This is to keep that line that connects us together. If I take good care of myself, it might have a positive impact on the next person. Education for one child is a relief for the whole village. How about if all the children in the village are educated? It will be a relief to the whole nation. Let`s go ahead and encourage the young people to take their education seriously. Remind them of the changing times and innovation challenges that come along. As  Mandela said that ` No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated`, this is still a reality. The more children in school, the better for the country.

 

In a nutshell, I can hear that song we sang in primary ringing 

    ``Oh come and hear the use of Education

         I am a doctor because of education

         I am a teacher because of Education

         I am a lawyer because of Education

         I am a mechanic because of Education

         I am a __________because of Education

Oh come and hear the use of Education` JJJ