UNL plants tree to honor Nelson Mandela
Posted By: Rachael Miner
rminer@klkntv.com
Planting a tree is not how most people celebrate their birthdays.
A group of students from UNL marked Nelson Mandela’s 100th birthday by planting a tree near the Harper–Schramm–Smith Residence Halls on the University’s campus.
All of the students are part of the Mandela Washington Fellowship Program.
It’s an opportunity for a select group of young professionals from across Africa to go to an American university.
Once here, they learn about business and leadership, then take what they learned back to their countries.
"We want to improve the lives of our African people we want to change the narrative of Africa, we want to show that we are capable and we are able to advance our continent," said Maria Malomalo, one of the fellows.
Advancing the continent of Africa was part of Mandela’s life mission.
He advocated for education and public service to improve the lives of all Africans.
When students come to UNLthey participate in various service oriented projects.
Planting a tree to honor Mandela was a way for the fellows to make a positive impact on the university and inspire others.
"Mandela’s life inspired everybody and we as African leaders what we want to do like Mandela but more than him also," said Ibrahima Boubacar Salou, another fellow.
For each of the students the tree is not only a way to honor a great African leader, it’s also a symbol of hope and growth, for themselves and their countries.
"This is just an investment, this is watering a tree that has already been planted, and if they continue watering it they’ll grow to be the leaders they’re meant to be. They’ll be like Mandela," said Malomalo.
