Give 67 Minutes Of Your Time On Nelson Mandela International Day
Tokunbo Ifaturoti
When? – July 18, 2016, Nelson Mandela’s birthday. This will mark the 7th year of its observance, the day having been inaugurated in 2010.
Why 67? – The number represents the years Nelson Mandela spent devoting his life to public service. So in essence, you are being urged to recognize his contributions by contributing one minute of your time to the service of others to match every year he contributed.
Who can get involved? – You and those you spread the word to. The basic idea behind Nelson Mandela International Day is that everyone can make a difference through even small unheralded actions.
What can you do? – Anything and everything. From the smallest gesture to large full-scale projects. The year’s themes were announced at its official launch at the Dr Mathole Motshekga Primary School in Tembisa. They include the four key areas of
- literacy and education
- food security
- shelter and infrastructure
- the environment
That allows you a wide choice of how to plan your project to stay in keeping with the theme of the day. However, if you can’t match the theme then don’t. Just give the 67 minutes in whichever way you can.
Want to reach others? – Hashtags associated with Nelson Mandela International Day are #time2serve and #mandeladay. You can register the action you plan on taking with the Nelson Mandela Foundation and take a look at some of the other inspiring actions that persons have committed themselves to undertaking.
What to remember? – “When a man has done what he considers to be his duty to his people and his country, he can rest in peace. I believe I have made that effort and that is, therefore, why I will sleep for the eternity.” – Nelson Mandela
