“There can be no keener revelation of a society’s soul than the way in which it treats its children.” – Nelson Mandela
According to the official Mandela Day website, the predominant aim of Mandela Day is to inspire individuals to take action to help change the world for the better, to build a global movement for good. The ultimate goal is to empower communities everywhere.
Take action; inspire change; make every day a Mandela Day
Individuals and organisations are free to participate in Mandela Day as they wish, but participants are urged to adhere to the ethical framework of “service to one’s fellow human”.
The Abland Foundation has taken this message to heart and will be celebrating Mandela Day on 18 of July by planting trees and a vegetable garden at the Genesis Crèche in Diepsloot. The foundation also plans to lay new paving.
Better lives for our children
When the foundation began its involvement at the crèche, there were nine children in attendance and it was operating from a tent that would often get blown down in heavy winds. The crèche now cares for 65 children in two fitted containers provided by the Abland Foundation.
A play area was created between the two containers, which was paved and a roof constructed over it. As the crèche has grown, the foundation has continued to improve on the infrastructure, constructing a community centre. Future plans include upgrading the bathroom and kitchen facilities.
The children have blossomed within the now safe environment of the crèche, with reports from the community confirming a marked positive change in the children’s behaviour.