Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela needs no introduction. The previous president of South Africa was one of the most influential leaders of the country, seeing us into a democratic society that aims to be inclusive of all South African citizens. Every year on the 18 of July, the birth day of Nelson Mandela, South Africans devote 67 minutes to helping others. It is 67 minutes to mark the 67 years Mandela spent as a public servant. By devoting 67 minutes to volunteering, we make a small contribution to society and solidarity.

Citizens spend their time doing anything from working at a school, planting trees, walking shelter dogs to painting orphanage walls. For Mandela day this year, Good Hope Volunteers partnered with Safe Haven to create an unforgettable day for the children of Atlantis.

Safe Haven is an outreach project that started out by support the parents of children with cancer. Safe Haven offered both support to both the families and the children affected by cancer, the project soon grew to working with children from underprivileged backgrounds.

One project outreach programme run by Safe Haven, is the children outreach in Atlantis. The Atlantis community is a lower income community facing challenges of food security, unemployment and gangsterism. Safe Haven works with the local community hall to set up events for the children to attend after school. These activities range from arts and crafts to sports. The idea behind this programme is to offer an alternative place for the children to hang out in a healthy environment.

For Mandela day, Good Hope Volunteers dressed up as Disney princesses to bring happiness to the children of Atlantis.

Volunteers arranged games and sports to play and handed out drinks and food to the children. Volunteers also painted and planted vegetables for the community halls new organic garden. Safe Haven, Good Hope students and volunteers all pulled together to make this a memorable day for the children of Atlantis. 

To be part of our amazing volunteer community, please contact us.