Happy Birthday, Madiba! As Nelson Mandela celebrates his 92nd birthday on Sunday, the rest of the world celebrates the second annual Mandela Day.
South Africa recognizes Mandela’s birthday in the way that we in the United States recognize that of Martin Luther King, Jr.: as a day of service. Or, for Nelson Mandela Day, at least 67 minutes of service. To symbolize the 67 years of his life that Mandela gave to serving his community, his country, and the world, South Africans (and indeed, the entire international community) is asked to give 67 minutes of their time acting on the values that the humanitarian has espoused: equality, freedom, respect, and justice.
Mandela Day’s Facebook page is flooded with praise for Nelson Mandela and ideas on how to spend those 67 minutes. Volunteer at a local non-profit. Donate to a favorite charity. Wear a white arm band as a symbol of peace and unity. FoodBank South Africa is launching a campaign at 67 minutes past midnight (1:07am) as part of their effort to end hunger in South Africa. And Habitat for Humanity is asking you to donate 67 minutes of your salary to help the organization build 10 new houses in South Africa.
One of the most popular Mandela Day activities seems to be this initiative called Six Ideas to Step In. Six Ideas to Step In is the Nelson Mandela Institute’s proposal to spend at least 67 minutes making a difference in the education of South Africa’s children. The six big ideas are:
1) Create safe and cheery schools
2) Make and donate toys
3) Give fun and interesting books
4) Read together
5) Tell a story
6) Support play
Although Six Ideas to Step In focuses on primary schooling, the emphasis on education during Mandela Day extends through higher education. In the Limpopo province of South Africa, prominent South Africans and well-known personalities will provide career advice and information about higher education opportunities to over 1000 high school students. The event launches the Nelson Mandela Career Guidance Campaign, which promotes tertiary schooling for students in rural areas.
Access for all students to high quality educational opportunities is a goal in line with Mandela’s values. And given the use of his name for these educational opportunities, it’s also an issue he cares deeply about. As do all of us involved with the Khanyisela Scholarship. So from one educational program to the next – here’s to a successful Mandela Day. Here’s to our children, to our students. Here’s to equality, to freedom, to respect, and to justice.
