NELSON MANDELA DAY
G'day folks,
You may not be aware of it but today is Nelson Mandela Day. And, why not?
WHAT IS IT?
Following the success of Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations in
London’s Hyde Park in June 2008, it was decided that there could be
nothing more fitting than to celebrate Mr Mandela’s birthday each year
with a day dedicated to his life’s work and that of his charitable
organisations, and to ensure his legacy continues forever.
The Mandela Day campaign message is simple: Mr Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. All we are asking is that everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting your chosen charity or serving your local community.
Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals – for people everywhere – to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mr Mandela did.
Read the speech made by Helene Hoedl, Deputy Director of the UN Information Centre, which she gave at the launch of Nelson Mandela International Day on March 28, 2011.
Mandela Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Mr Mandela’s life and legacy. It serves as a catalyst for each and every person to realise that they have the ability to change the world through action.
It is not about creating institutions with huge infrastructure, but it is a global movement for good which recognises that positive change begins with small actions. These actions can range from a vision for creating peace and reconciliation to sharing food with a neighbour in need. Mandela Day is particularly geared towards people doing work in their communities and is not event-driven. It is not a holiday.
As Mr Mandela has reminded us, “It’s in our hands” to create a better world. We take inspiration from his example to take responsibility for ourselves and to understand our responsibility to others.
The bikers, including Jack Devnarain, Jeremy Mansfield, Lehlohonolo Saint Seseli and Hanna Grobler, worked on community projects in various towns en route as their contribution to Mandela Day.
The containers were delivered at the beginning of July and once the volunteers had worked their magic, the new libraries were opened one by one throughout the month.
_300_200_80.jpg)
“What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela
18 July 2013 marks the 95th birthday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and the fourth Nelson Mandela International Day.
The vision behind this key event is simple: that each individual has the ability and responsibility to impact change.
One message drives this vision: Mr Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for social justice and human rights. The Mandela Day campaign asks that individuals, groups and corporates use just 67 minutes of their time on 18 July, and every day thereafter, to give back.
No matter how small the action, the aim is to change the world for the better, just as Mr Mandela has.
Some of the world’s greatest leaders and influencers have taken a moment to recognise that it takes just one individual to inspire change through action. This is their tribute.
The Mandela Day campaign message is simple: Mr Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for the rights of humanity. All we are asking is that everyone gives 67 minutes of their time, whether it’s supporting your chosen charity or serving your local community.
Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals – for people everywhere – to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mr Mandela did.
United Nations
Mandela Day has been officially adopted by the United Nations as “Nelson Mandela International Day”. The resolution was unanimously adopted on November 10, 2009, with the support of all UN member states and co-sponsorship of over 165 members, from all regions of the world. This represents the overwhelming support of the entire international community in honouring Mr Mandela. We hope this signals the beginning of greater involvement by the global community in this movement for good.
Read the speech made by Helene Hoedl, Deputy Director of the UN Information Centre, which she gave at the launch of Nelson Mandela International Day on March 28, 2011.
Mandela Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action in celebration of Mr Mandela’s life and legacy. It serves as a catalyst for each and every person to realise that they have the ability to change the world through action.
It is not about creating institutions with huge infrastructure, but it is a global movement for good which recognises that positive change begins with small actions. These actions can range from a vision for creating peace and reconciliation to sharing food with a neighbour in need. Mandela Day is particularly geared towards people doing work in their communities and is not event-driven. It is not a holiday.
As Mr Mandela has reminded us, “It’s in our hands” to create a better world. We take inspiration from his example to take responsibility for ourselves and to understand our responsibility to others.
Bikers for Mandela Day
A group of 21 motorbike riders and a support team of around 20 people travelled from Johannesburg on a six-day road trip from Johannesburg to Cape Town to spread the word about Mandela Day. Actor Morgan Freeman participated in the event, although he wasn't riding a bike. The trip ended in Cape Town on Mandela Day, July 18, 2010.
The bikers, including Jack Devnarain, Jeremy Mansfield, Lehlohonolo Saint Seseli and Hanna Grobler, worked on community projects in various towns en route as their contribution to Mandela Day.
Mandela Day Libraries
The Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory has chosen nine schools to each receive a converted container, supplied by Breadline Africa. These containers are being transformed into libraries, with the aid of companies and communities who will help to paint the containers, build fences and playgrounds around them, provide bookshelves and donate books, posters and computers.
The containers were delivered at the beginning of July and once the volunteers had worked their magic, the new libraries were opened one by one throughout the month.
“What counts in life is not the mere fact we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead” – Nelson Mandela
18 July 2013 marks the 95th birthday of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, and the fourth Nelson Mandela International Day.
The vision behind this key event is simple: that each individual has the ability and responsibility to impact change.
One message drives this vision: Mr Mandela gave 67 years of his life fighting for social justice and human rights. The Mandela Day campaign asks that individuals, groups and corporates use just 67 minutes of their time on 18 July, and every day thereafter, to give back.
No matter how small the action, the aim is to change the world for the better, just as Mr Mandela has.
Some of the world’s greatest leaders and influencers have taken a moment to recognise that it takes just one individual to inspire change through action. This is their tribute.
Clancy's comment: Go, Mr. Mandela! You have been, and still are, a great role model. What an extraordinary life ... thanks.
Love ya work!
HAPPY 95th BIRTHDAY!
I'm ...
No comments:
Post a Comment