What is Nelson Mandela Day and Why is it Important?

Mandela Day is celebrated every July 18, on Nelson Mandela’s birthday. Now in its 10th year, this could arguably be the most important Mandela Day yet. Back in 2009 when founded by the United Nations, its initial purpose was to commemorate the service that Nelson Mandela provided not only to South Africa but the world as a whole. Since then, Mandela Day has evolved into a more impactful event that creates initiatives to best address important issues being faced by society regularly. 


Here is what to know about Nelson Mandela Day this year.




What Nelson Mandela Day Stands for Today

Although he passed in 2013, we have a chance to keep Nelson Mandela’s legacy alive by truly honoring his wishes and taking action to make the world a better place. As such, below are the five main human rights and social justice initiatives of Mandela Day, along with two specific goals to focus on for each.


Education & Literacy

  • To ensure all children are provided quality education
  • To ensure all children in Early Childhood Development have access to learning resources that help them develop as they should


Food & Nutrition

  • To reduce hunger by providing families with nutritious meals
  • To eliminate malnutrition in children and the stunting of their growth


Shelter

  • To provide safe shelter for families
  • To stop homelessness


Sanitation

  • To ensure clean schools with safe sanitation practices
  • To enable all communities with access to safe sanitation practices


Citizenship

  • To support projects that eradicate poverty by donating more resources
  • To encourage participation from the public in eradicating inequality and poverty

 

It isn’t just about the goals this year, however. For 2020, Mandela Day has the potential to make a bigger impact than it ever has before, simply because of the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created and continues to create around the world. July 18 will be a reminder to reflect on the successes we have made while battling the coronavirus, share our successes with those who need help, and learn from our mistakes.




How to Celebrate Nelson Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela considered himself a servant of South Africa’s people. He felt a duty to them and set an example for their actions to effect change. One of his beliefs was, “It is in your hands to make our world a better one for all.” The legacy he led will only continue if we follow through on that belief and become part of a continual goal to make a positive impact on the world, making every day Mandela Day.  




Regarding the coronavirus specifically, you can make personal protective equipment like face masks, teach or tutor students online, or make monetary donations. Also, below are some other ways you can get involved with or celebrate Mandela Day:


  • Do a neighborhood cleanup or clean up a city park, either alone or with a group of people while social distancing.
  • Make care kits for patients staying at government-run hospitals, as they’re often in the need of basic necessities they may have left at home, such as toothbrushes and toiletries.
  • Volunteer at a local food bank.
  • Give blood. 
  • Become an organ donor. 
  • Babysit for a single parent.
  • Volunteer at an animal shelter or sign up to foster an animal.
  • Volunteer to blog or write social media posts for a non-profit agency that could use support.

 

There are countless more ways you can celebrate Mandela Day, and, as you can see, some don’t cost a single penny. There may be a lot to be done, but even a small ripple can lead to big waves. Your thoughtful actions on Mandela Day, and any other day of the year, can set an example for others and encourage them to make every day a Mandela Day as well.