Nelson Mandela – affectionately known to his South African Rainbow Nation as Madiba – was an anti-apartheid revolutionary, political leader and philanthropist who served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999. 🌈He was the country’s first black head of state and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election.
Mandela Day is celebrated on 18 July, his birthday, every year.
The Mandela Day campaign is a celebration of our collective power to create a global movement for good and make a positive impact on the world.
We celebrate this day – which I consider the most beautiful day of the year – by spending 67 minutes giving back, taking positive action, taking part in an act of kindness.
The reason: one minute is counted for every year Mandela served the country.
He spent 67 years making the world a better place, and one minute for each year needs to be spent doing something good.
I believe strongly in this day. I don’t believe it is one day to do something nice and then forget about it for another 364 days.
I believe it is a day to REMIND US how easy it is to do good. How little time it takes – To give. To spread love. To foster our generosity of spirit. Everyday.
With the most important message being:
Make everyday a Mandela day.
This day is a REBOOT – to be reminded, re-inspired to take action however you can, or to keep you motivated to continue taking action in your own special way.
I celebrate Mandela Day every year with friends, with the students I teach English to and through the community upliftment project I’m a part of.
For the last few years at Obs Pasta Kitchen (a weekly delicious pasta dinner in a safe, supportive space) – we’ve done blankets, as well as toiletries packs with students and volunteers feeling energised and inspired to get involved and lend a helping hand.
❤️
In 2018, my international group of students and I spent 67 minutes out of the classroom with a soup kitchen called Ladles of Love, making 670 sandwiches for those in need:
A few years back, my beginner students from Gabon, Angola, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Brazil – who could hardly speak any English – understood the message and went around giving out roses and fruit with a smile:
The Mandela Day spirit is infectious. Over the years, my classes have put a lot of heart into their spontaneous 67 minutes to make people smile.
I’ll never forget this special aha-moment, clearly expressed:
“Miss Dani I make someone happy and I feel MORE happy!”
.
.
.
So, will YOU celebrate with me this year?
Can you think of something you can do with your friends or family? your kids? on your own?
Last year, friends & I wrote 67 special messages on hearts and handed them out with a smile to 67 people along the beachfront. The surprised smiles and reactions were priceless. 67 hearts unexpectedly warmed!✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️✔️
This year Mandela Day couldn’t have arrived at a more appropriate time!
🇿🇦 Let’s live the legacy of the late and great Madiba 💛
We all need to be reminded that we have the power in each of us. Especially at times like these.
Mandela Day magic is a real thing✨ wherever you are in the world
LET’S SPREAD IT !!!
“The Mandela Day spirit is infectious” – you are infectious, Dani. Happy Mandela’s Day 🌻🌻 For sure I’m gonna celebrate with you this year. Now from Brazil, but you can count with me. We are together on this – and thank you for taking me to that love.
Hi Dani!
Happy Mandela Day. Nice read. Here in India, we respect Mandela the same way we respect Gandhiji. Nelson Mandela honoured by Bharat Ratna by the Indian Government – India’s highest civilian award in 1990 and in the year 2018 to mark the birth centenary of Nelson Mandela India Post issued a stamp for him as part of South Africa Joint Issue.
You can see the stamp here,
http://philateli.blogspot.com/2019/06/18th-july-nelson-mandela-international.html#comment-form
Cheers
You have brought such a huge smile to my face. You have written a very beautiful reflection. Inspired. 🙏🏼☺️
Need more of you! Thank you for what you do!
Brilliant ideas 💗 Heartwarming read
Made sandwiches with my best friend for a Mandela Sandwich Drive 🥪 felt good! Your ideas are amazing.
“It always seems impossible until it’s done.”
Such a good reminder! Have taken part in different activities over the years but this year I didn’t. I guess I still can. Thank you for reminding me it’s so easy.
Very special
So Inspiring!!! I’ll remember this x
I really appreciate this post! You have made my day! Thx again
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