Nelson Mandela Day
Mandela Day is an annual international day in honor of Nelson Mandela, celebrated each year on Mandela’s birthday, 18 July. The day calls to promote social justice wherever we can. On this day we recall Mandela’s lifetime of service in a collective global effort to make the world a better place.
The United Nations launched Nelson Mandela International Day in 2009 on Mandela’s birthday, July 18, in honor of his lifetime of sacrifice and devotion to end racism and apartheid in South Africa. Nelson Mandela has been making an imprint on the world for 67 years, beginning in 1942 when he first started to campaign for the human rights of every South African.
Honoring the Legacy of Nelson Mandela
Mandela gave 67 years of his life to fighting for the rights of humanity. On Mandela Day, individuals are asked to give 67 minutes of their time to serving others, whether it’s supporting a charity or serving your local community. You do not have to be the president of a country to fight against poverty and promote peace.
It’s an opportunity for people to do a good deed. Embodying the principle of self-sacrifice, of giving and paying it forward in the same vein as Nelson Mandela. And giving your time, giving your time to help, to give back to society, for no other reason than because it’s a good thing to do.
Nelson Mandela Day Goals 2019-2029:
The next 10 years are focused on mobilizing people, governments, civil society, and corporations to focus on five areas:
- Education and Literacy
- Food and Nutrition
- Shelter
- Sanitation
- Active Citizenship
According to the Nelson Mandela Foundation, you could.
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Put together stationery packs (pens, stickers, colored paper, scissors, etc) for teachers at an under-resourced school.
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Do a neighborhood clean-up armed with plastic gloves and black bags.
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Donate your time at a haven or shelter.
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Make ‘care kits’ (including a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, facecloth, etc) for patients at a nearby government hospital.
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Research an issue you would like to find out more about and then share your findings with friends on social media.
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Organize a fun outing for children at an HIV/Aids home.
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Donate blood.
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Become an organ donor.
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Baby-sit for a single parent.
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Volunteer at an animal shelter.
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Tutor someone who needs help learning your mother tongue.
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Donate your old computer to an under-resourced school.
Nelson Mandela Day is about giving back to the less fortunate in any way. One may donate clothes, food, toiletries, etc, or even give their time to do something helpful and impactful for others. His contribution to the world remains an inspiration to the next generation. Near the end of his life, he said, “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all.”
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