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The Mandela Day Charter -- How Students Plan to Change the World

July 17, 2009 5:51 PM

Saturday marks the 91st birthday of Nelson Mandela -- South Africa's heroic anti-apartheid crusader and former president.  In May, a group of students 12 students who won an essay contest in New York traveled to South Africa to meet him.  Along with students from South Africa, they wrote a charter -- their plan to change the world. 

We've posted their charter below.  You can also CLICK HERE to learn more by visiting their website.

 

The Mandela Day Charter
Background
Nelson Mandela has dedicated his life to the values and principles that made it possible for him to achieve freedom from apartheid. His inspiring legacy was the motivation behind creating an original piece that expressed our knowledge of the life and values of Nelson Mandela. As a result of our hard work we were afforded the privilege of meeting Madiba. In the process of meeting him, we had to go through a series of activities that allowed us to explore ourselves and the magnitude of the situation. With this recognition we realised the importance of writing a charter to spread his legacy.

Our purpose
As 46664 ambassadors, we believe that there is a need for a student charter. We strongly believe that it is necessary to continue Nelson Mandela’s legacy, but this time starting with the youth. We should encourage this due to the fact that the youth will be the next generation and ‘it’s in our hands’ to make a difference in the world. It is vital that Nelson Mandela’s contributions to society are never forgotten. His way of life helped him and will help others fight for a better world.

From the youngest person to the oldest, we as one feel that principles that were demonstrated by Nelson Mandela should inspire everyone. Principles such as respect, discipline, appreciation, equality, the strive for freedom, selflessness and pride illustrates Nelson Mandela. As 46664 ambassadors, we feel that when every individual contributes to this new dream, a great future will be ‘in our hands’.

What do we want to achieve?
Great leaders are determined to reach their goals by influencing and making examples, thus making movements possible. We the students of 46664 have realised that the continuation of Mr Mandela’s legacy is in the hands of the people. In order to move forward and continue the movement of Mr Mandela we must set certain goals for ourselves. The objectives of the student charter are the following;

Through following Mandela’s footsteps we will combine the life experiences to internalise, personalise and make it relevant to our communities. By doing this we will be able to recognise the mistakes of the past and advance. Therefore reducing poverty, creating peaceful and safe communities through the citizen’s right of education. Through education people have the ability to distinguish what is right and wrong in their communities. Thus creating a society with ambition for change.

The determination of change can only be made possible with the dedication of the people. The students of 46664 want to create an involvement of a strong force of champions of all ages, races and perspectives. Therefore making change possible.

Reaching these goals with determination will lead to change. Thus allowing the ideologies of Mr Mandela to continue with or without him. By doing these we will achieve our ultimate goal: creating a better world!

Tools
Mandela has lived and built his legacy by following his ten life skills. Finding your passion, purpose and meaning in life. Being able to laugh at yourself is very important. Organising your thoughts. Being able to introspect and reflect on your thoughts and actions. Realising that time is a precious and valuable resource that is not renewable. Always believing the very best of every person until proven wrong. The ability to make a painful experience meaningful. Listening before you speak and taking responsibility for your mistakes. It takes an army to liberate a country but only you can liberate yourself. It’s crucial to think carefully about the choices you make because it can determine whether you liberate or enslave yourself.

Conclusion
We the student ambassadors, in learning about the legacy of Mr Mandela, declare that we will do everything possible in spreading and expanding the legacy, learning and teaching others and committing our efforts to the improvement of our communities.

Every student made a commitment to uphold this charter. They spoke about their commitment to make a change in each of their communities, thereby, hopefully, starting a groundswell which will spread from those communities to neighbouring communities and so on.

July 17, 2009 | Permalink | Share | User Comments (2)

User Comments

Posted by: Sister Mary Elizabeth Clark, SSJ | Jul 17, 2009 8:35:29 PM

Posted by: Patty | Jul 19, 2009 11:11:34 AM

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