Every year on 18th July, people across the world come together to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day, honoring the man who devoted his life to justice, equality, and peace. Fondly known as Madiba, Nelson Mandela continues to inspire generations through his courage, compassion, and unwavering belief that one person can truly change the world.
Teaching kids about Mandela’s life helps them understand the importance of kindness, fairness, and standing up for what’s right. But rather than just reading from history books, why not make learning interactive and creative?
Here are 10 Nelson Mandela activities for kids — including crafts, games, printables, and educational lessons — designed to help young learners understand the values he stood for. ✊🕊️
🕊️ Who Was Nelson Mandela?
Nelson Mandela was one of the most respected leaders of the 20th century — a freedom fighter, lawyer, and peacemaker who ended apartheid in South Africa.
He was born on 18 July 1918 in the village of Mvezo, and as a young man, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) to fight for racial equality. Mandela spent 27 years in prison, but his courage never faded.
After his release in 1990, he worked to unite a divided nation and became South Africa’s first Black president in 1994. His leadership showed the world that forgiveness is more powerful than hate.
🗓️ Quick Timeline of Mandela’s Life
| Year | Event |
| 1918 | Born in Mvezo, South Africa |
| 1942 | Qualified as a lawyer |
| 1944 | Joined the African National Congress (ANC) |
| 1961 | Formed Umkhonto we Sizwe (Spear of the Nation) |
| 1962 | Arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment |
| 1990 | Released after 27 years in jail |
| 1993 | Won the Nobel Peace Prize |
| 1994 | Became South Africa’s first Black president |
| 1999 | Retired from politics |
| 2013 | Passed away at the age of 95 |
In 2009, the United Nations declared July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day, encouraging everyone to dedicate 67 minutes — representing his 67 years of service — to doing something good for others.
🧠 10 Nelson Mandela Activities for Kids
Let’s explore fun, creative, and meaningful activities that help children learn about Mandela’s message of unity, peace, and kindness.
✏️ 1. Mandela Fact and Coloring Sheet
Print or create a fact-and-color activity sheet featuring Mandela’s portrait, timeline, and inspiring quotes.
Kids can color while reading short facts like:
- Mandela’s Xhosa name Rolihlahla means “troublemaker.”
- His prison number was 46664, marking the 466th prisoner in 1964.
This fun introduction combines art with learning — perfect for primary school children.
🎨 2. Create a “Rainbow Nation” Poster
South Africa is often called the Rainbow Nation because of its diversity.
Ask kids to make a large poster using rainbow colors, representing unity among people of different races and cultures.
Include symbols like:
- A handshake for peace 🤝
- A heart for love ❤️
- A dove for freedom 🕊️
This activity teaches inclusion, one of Mandela’s core principles.
🧱 3. Build a “Freedom Wall”
Set up a classroom or home “Freedom Wall” where kids can write words that symbolize what Mandela stood for — such as Hope, Justice, Equality, and Respect.
Use sticky notes, index cards, or paper bricks. By the end, you’ll have a colorful wall filled with positive, empowering words.
📚 4. Read Mandela’s Story Aloud
Storytime is a powerful way to inspire empathy.
Read age-appropriate books about Nelson Mandela, such as:
- Nelson Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom (Children’s Edition)
- Grandad Mandela
- Nelson Mandela: A Life of Courage
After reading, discuss with the kids what they learned about fairness and forgiveness.
Encourage them to share: “What would you do if you saw something unfair?”
✋ 5. Handprint Unity Craft
Let children paint their hands in different skin-tone colors and press them onto a big sheet of paper.
Write “We Are One” or “Together for Peace” in the center.
This craft represents Mandela’s dream of racial harmony — a simple, visual way to teach unity and equality.
🎵 6. Sing Songs of Hope
Music played a big role in Mandela’s journey. Teach kids traditional South African songs like Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika (God Bless Africa) or any song about peace and togetherness.
Even simple songs like “This Little Light of Mine” can help children express joy and hope — values that Mandela lived by.
💬 7. Mandela Quotes ReflectionMandela’s words continue to inspire millions. Choose a few of his most famous quotes and discuss what they mean.
Some examples:
- “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.”
- “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
- “No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin.”
Let kids write their favorite quote on colored paper and decorate it. Hang them around your classroom or study area.
🕊️ 8. 67 Minutes of Kindness
Explain Mandela Day’s message — giving 67 minutes of your time to help others.
Brainstorm with the kids small acts of kindness they can do, such as:
- Helping a friend with homework
- Cleaning up a park
- Writing a thank-you note to a teacher
- Donating toys or books
This hands-on activity helps them understand the importance of service and compassion.
🧩 9. Mandela Collage Art
Provide old magazines, newspapers, or printouts. Let kids cut out pictures of people smiling, shaking hands, or helping others.
Glue them together to form Mandela’s face, or shape them into a peace symbol.
This craft visually captures his vision of unity and celebrates diversity through art.
📜 10. Mandela Legacy Journal
Give each child a small notebook or worksheet and ask them to write about:
- What they learned about Nelson Mandela.
- One quality they admire most about him.
- One way they can bring change in their own world.
Encouraging self-reflection helps children internalize Mandela’s message — that anyone, no matter how young, can make a difference.
🌍 Fun Facts About Nelson Mandela for Kids
Add some trivia to keep learning light and memorable:
- Mandela’s favorite flower was the Strelitzia, also known as the “Bird of Paradise.”
- He loved children and often said, “There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way it treats its children.”
- His favorite sport was boxing.
- Mandela appeared in the Time 100 list as one of the most influential people of all time.
- He once said, “The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”
🧠 Educational Benefits of Mandela-Themed Activities
These activities go beyond fun — they help children grow emotionally and intellectually:
- Empathy: Understanding other people’s struggles.
- Social Awareness: Learning about history and equality.
- Creativity: Using art to express important ideas.
- Critical Thinking: Reflecting on right vs. wrong.
- Character Building: Developing kindness and leadership qualities.
By blending art, storytelling, and discussion, children learn that making the world better starts with simple acts of goodness.
✨ Final Thoughts
Nelson Mandela once said, “Children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.”
Teaching kids about his life ensures that his legacy of peace, forgiveness, and justice continues to live on.
These 10 Nelson Mandela activities for kids make history come alive — inspiring them to dream big, act kindly, and stand up for what’s right.
So this Mandela Day (18 July), let’s honor Madiba’s 67 years of service by spending at least 67 minutes doing good — and by helping our children become the compassionate changemakers of tomorrow. 🕊️💛