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 Day was launched in recognition of Nelson Mandela's birthday on July 18, 2009 by 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 honor his life's work and act to change the world for the better.
2014 is particularly symbolic as we work to honor a great statesman and make every day a Mandela Day as we mark South Africa's 20 years of democratic freedom.
The message behind Mandela Day is simple - each individual has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better.
Nelson Mandela followed three rules throughout his life, which he did at great personal sacrifice:
1.Free yourself.
2. Free others.
3. Serve every day.
Mandela Day is a global call to action for citizens of the world to take up the challenge and follow in the formidable footsteps of Madiba, a man who transformed his life, served his country and freed his people. Its objective is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better and in so doing, to build a global movement for good.
WHAT CAN I DO?
No matter how small the action, Mandela Day is about changing the world for the better, just as Mr Mandela did, every day.
Make every day a Mandela Day!
