*UN-NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY MEDIA ADVISORY

The South African High Commission in conjunction with the United Nations Information Centre

Invites you join in commemorating

 NELSON MANDELA INTERNATIONAL DAY

Friday, 18^th July, 2014

Sinza Special needs school

Dar es Salaam - Tanzania

09:30am – 12:00pm

 In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July as "Nelson Mandela International Day" in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 recognizes Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the uplifting of poor and underdeveloped communities. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

The UN resolution urges all countries, the UN, civil society, business and Non Governmental Organizations to celebrate this day by dedicating time towards community service. In line with the essence of Nelson Mandela Day, the focus of this event will be on giving the gift of time.

This day is intended to encourage people to dedicate their service to values that will improve our world and support the development of children. We hope you will join us in this commemoration.

This year will be the first to be commemorated after Nelson Mandela lost his life in December last year at the age of 95.  The Nelson Mandela International Day is a call to everyone to devote 67 minutes of time to helping others, as a way to mark Nelson Mandela International Day. 

For 67 years Nelson Mandela devoted his life to the service of humanity — as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, an international peacemaker and the first democratically elected president of a free South Africa.

You are invited to commemorate the 67 minutes through community service at Sinza Special needs school in Kijitonyama area-behind Mabatini police station (off Africa Sana road) in Dar es Salaam. Basically, activities that would be undertaken would involve cutting grass, painting, spending time with the children, cleaning, cooking and supporting the school. 

Please feel free to bring any tools or cleaning materials that could assist in performing this community service. Any donations of clothing, spades and hoes, toys, books, meals, would also be welcomed.

 Event: Nelson Mandela International Day

Where: Sinza Special needs school Kijitonyama area behind Mabatini police station off Afrika Sana road

When: Friday, 18^th July, 2014 from 09:30am – 12:00pm

What: Voluntary community service work 

The media advisory has been issued by Stella Vuzo, UN Information Center(UNIC) 0767 100 902.