What is Mandela day

“WHAT counts in life is not the mere fact that 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

Nelson Mandela International Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela’s birthday on 18 July, 2009 via unanimous decision of the UN General Assembly.

It was inspired by a call Nelson Mandela made a year earlier, for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that “it is in your hands now”.

It is more than a celebration of Madiba’s life and legacy. It is a global movement to honour his life’s work and act to change the world for the better.

How to serve every day

For the Nelson Mandela Foundation, Mandela Day actions, no matter how big or small, should consistently focus on the realisation or restoration of dignity and empowerment through contributions. For the foundation the following focus areas have particular significance:

Food security

All people, at all times, should have access to sufficient, safe and nutritious foods to maintain a healthy and active life.

This is a crucial social support measure for effective development and growth.

Feeding activities, whether food parcels, food gardens or feeding schemes, that provide long-term access to food security can transform world hunger.

Education and literacy

In a world where knowledge truly is power, education and literacy are the basic building blocks that unlock the gates of opportunity and success.

We all have a responsibility as parents, as caregivers, as educators, as leaders and as citizens, to instil in individuals, children and communities the critical drive for literacy and learning so that we can give them the chance to fulfill their dreams. Let’s lead through education.

Shelter and infrastructure

There is no greater indignity than the absence of a place to call home. Sadly, the cycle of inadequate shelter and infrastructure can only be broken if people join together and take action to make a change. This action brings people together to build homes, communities, cities, continents and a future.

Service and volunteerism

Daily service to one’s fellow man, in whatever shape or form, is an action each one of us can commit to.

As Madiba change makers across the globe let’s play our part by “living” Madiba’s legacy.

To serve and drive the movement towards the common good and ultimately social cohesion – people everywhere are encouraged to contribute their actions to making the world a better place by each becoming a public servant in the service to humanity.Madiba was the quintessential public servant.

Let us emulate the servant leader we loved by all becoming servant leaders ourselves.

Source: https://www.mandeladay.com/