The former president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, has celebrated his 91st birthday. The first black South African leader has had a long and difficult pathway to freedom. Mandela has evolved into a living legend in his own time.
In honor of the famous man, people right around the world are being encouraged to dedicate just 67 minutes of their day to volunteer for community service.
After having completed 27 years in prison, Mandela again took over as the head of the African National Congress, the day he left prison. Mandela was a prime mover in forging the transition towards a multi-racial democracy in South Africa, bringing to an end the vicious reign of repression and violence caused by apartheid. Mandela led the country to the first multi-racial elections.
In defense of his case in 1964 Mandela said in his speech from the dock, “During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to the struggle of the African people. I have fought against white arena, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die".
Mandela became recognized as the most significant black president in South Africa, during his long imprisonment. Mandela gained a degree of Bachelor of Law from the University of London, while in jail.
Mandela has been the recipient of over 400 awards through a forty year period. These included the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom from George W. Bush, the Oder of Merit and Order of St John from Queen Elizabeth II, the Bharat Ratna Award from the government of India and the Ataturk Peace Award from Turkey.
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world…It is through education that a daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that a child of farm worker can become the president…Only education will make lasting changes,” was one of Mandela’s enduring statements on education.
In the light of what Mandela said, you can help us to give some truly great children and education. Kids who can’t help themselves. Without your help they will never have the privilege of a high school education. You can make a real difference in just one kid’s life.
You could win a tropical island holiday and a fabulous holiday home at the same time. Like the followers of Mandela say, take a few minutes to make a difference.
Dr Wendy Stenberg-Tendys and her husband are CEO's of YouMe Support Foundation (http://youmesupport.org) providing high school education grants for children who are without hope. A chance to fulfill their dreams at whatever level they chose to. You can make a real difference. Take a few minutes to check it out at Win A Resort (http://winaresort.com)
Feel free to contact Wendy on admin@youmesupport.org
