Nelson Mandela International Day 2019

Every year 18th July is marked as a Nelson Mandela International Day 2019, which is celebrated to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better.

Sangeeta Jain Sangeeta Jain Jul 18, 2019 2373 0

Nelson Mandela International Day 2019
Nelson Mandela International Day 2019

"It is easy to break down and destroy. The heroes are those who make peace and build" - Nelson Mandela

Thursday, 18 July is Nelson Mandela International Day, also known as Mandela Day. This day is celebrated each year on Mandela’s birthday. The day remembers Mandela’s achievements in working towards conflict resolution, democracy, human rights, peace, and reconciliation.

Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela has many accolades. He’s an iconic figure that triumphed over South Africa’s apartheid regime. He was a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, and an international peacemaker. And he was the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa (no biggie). So you see why the United Nations General Assembly would want to celebrate his life. Commemorated on July 18—Nelson Mandela’s birthday—Nelson Mandela International Day celebrates the idea that each individual has the power to transform the world and the ability to make an impact. So, in honor of his 67 years of public service, the Nelson Mandela Foundation and the UN asks that you spend 67 minutes of your time helping others.

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Nelson Mandela (postage stamp of Mandela pictured above) is respected for his commitment to values such as freedom, equality, and respect.

Nelson Mandela Day Goals 2019-2029:

  • Education and Literacy
  • Food and Nutrition
  • Shelter
  • Sanitation
  • Active Citizenship 

 Nelson Mandela International Day - History

  • July 18, 2009 - Nelson Mandela International Day begins - The first Nelson Mandela International Day is held in New York.
  • 1994 - Mr. President - Mandela's elected President of South Africa and serves in office until 1999.
  • 1990 - Free — finally! - Mandela leaves prison after 27 years.
  • 1963 - Prisoner #46664 - Mandela is jailed for leading the liberation movement against apartheid. He is referred to by his inmate number.
  • July 18, 1918- Centennial - It's a moment to mark Mandela's 100th birthday.

How to Observe Nelson Mandela International Day

  1. Use special hashtags

Currently there are two major hashtags associated with Nelson Mandela International Day. Show your support for the noble causes that gain attention on this day by using hashtags #MandelaDay and #ActionAgainstPoverty.

  1. Volunteer

Nelson Mandela strongly advocated for helping each other. Get out in your community and lend a hand by devoting some time to volunteering. You can volunteer for as a little or as long as you want, and you're sure to feel good about the positive impact you have made afterwards.

  1. Support a charity

There are a number of charities that contribute to the initiatives that were so close to Nelson Mandela's heart. Consider finding a charity that partakes in a mission that you find important, and contribute to the cause.

5 Things You Should Know About Nelson Mandela

  1. Legal career

Mandela was one of South Africa's first black lawyers.

  1. Yet another first

Mandela was also South Africa's first black president.

  1. A Nobel Prize

Mandela was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his influential work in ending apartheid.

  1. Real name

Mandela's first name is actually Rolihlahla, but was nicknamed Nelson by one of his school teachers.

  1. A loving nickname

Many South Africans referred to Mandela as "Madiba" — which is a title of respect.

Why Nelson Mandela International Day is Important

  1. He showed the way for all of us

Revolutionary. Philanthropist. President. Mandela lived a breathtaking life — showing impossible courage against all odds. He spent 27 years in prison. He rose to become South Africa's first black head of state — bringing down apartheid in the process. He won the Nobel Peace Prize. This holiday is a time to reflect upon all that one man might accomplish.

  1. Mandela provided unlimited help for others

The Nelson Mandela Foundation, started in 1999, focused on things like rural development and school construction — while launching a prolonged and sustained attack on the HIV/AIDS pandemic.

  1. He never stopped fighting for South Africa

South Africa suffers from high poverty — triggering issues with malnutrition, poor education, and unemployment. On Nelson Mandela International Day, many activists shine a light on the needs of the struggling country — hoping to provide a brighter future.

“It is time for the next generations to continue our struggle against social injustice and for the rights of humanity.

It is in your hands.” – Nelson Mandela

 

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