(CNN) -- The South African slum of Kliptown has long suffered from high rates of unemployment, crime and school dropouts, and the end of apartheid did little to change the situation. But hundreds of children are starting to find hope thanks to Thulani Madondo, who is changing the community through education. Madondo's nonprofit, the Kliptown Youth Program, provides free academic support, meals and after-school activities to more than 400 children living in the slum. CNN asked Madondo for his thoughts on being chosen as one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2012. CNN: What do you hope this recognition will mean for the Kliptown Youth Program?
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Thulani Madondo was named one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2012
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He grew up in Kliptown, a South African slum outside Johannesburg
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Now he's reaching out to hundreds of kids there, providing free academic support
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Who should be the CNN Hero of the Year? Cast your vote now!
Madondo: @placeholder people heard me shouting, and they wanted to know what was happening.