Close X
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
ADVT 
International

Celebrate Mandela Day and make a difference in South Africa

Darpan News Desk, 06 Jul, 2016 01:39 PM
  • Celebrate Mandela Day and make a difference in South Africa
Every year on July 18th, thousands of people around the world answer the call to devote 67 minutes of their time to inspire change and help others on Nelson Mandela International Day. These 67 minutes represent the decades that Nelson Mandela dedicated to serving others as a human rights lawyer, a prisoner of conscience, a global peacemaker, and the first democratically elected president of South Africa. This year, international volunteer organization Projects Abroad is calling for volunteers to celebrate his legacy by aiding underprivileged communities in South Africa.
 
Since the first democratic election in 1994, South Africa has undergone rapid development and has a thriving tourism industry. Unfortunately, unemployment levels are high and the equality gap is wide. The additional support and assistance that volunteers can provide becomes critical, comments Tom Pastorius, Head of Global Recruitment for Projects Abroad.
 
"We started implementing sustainable development programs in South Africa because we saw there was a genuine need, especially in the townships. Our volunteers have done incredible work since then, from building a safe and secure day care centre for impoverished families to send their children to, to mentoring troubled youth through sports. They are going above and beyond for the South African communities they serve, and we are proud that their efforts and dedication are honoring Mandela's legacy and making a difference every day."
 
Projects Abroad has several different projects based in Cape Town that volunteers can join throughout the year:
 
Care 
Mandela once said "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." This is something Projects Abroad has always taken to heart at the Care Project in Cape Town, where volunteers work in kindergartens and day care centres. Each volunteer focuses on increasing literacy levels, promoting early childhood development, and offering emotional support and care, so that children are ready for school and less likely to fall behind with their development.
 
Law & Human Rights 
PAHRO, the Human Rights Office run by Projects Abroad, provides legal representation and advice for those unable to afford legal assistance and raises awareness of human rights across communities. Most of the cases that PAHRO works with involve domestic violence, labour law, and refugee rights. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to assist those who lack the resources to help themselves while learning about human rights first-hand in South Africa.
 
Building 
Providing local communities with safe spaces is the primary goal of the Building Project in Lavender Hill, Cape Town. After building a day care centre, toilets, an enclosed washing area, and a secure playground, volunteers are now working on constructing an eco-friendly community centre. In the future, Projects Abroad hopes that this centre will become a place where the community can gather and use for the arts, culture, dance, drama, sports, and more.
 
Projects in South Africa are available from as little as one week and volunteers choose their own start and end dates throughout the year. 

MORE International ARTICLES

Malala Yousafzai Becomes Millionaire With Book Sales, Lectures

Nobel Laureate Malala Yousafzai and her family have become millionaires as a result of income from her memoir describing life under Taliban rule in Pakistan's picturesque Swat valley and appearances on the lecture circuit around the world.

Malala Yousafzai Becomes Millionaire With Book Sales, Lectures

US Asks China To Allow Muslim Citizens To Worship Freely

US Asks China To Allow Muslim Citizens To Worship Freely
The US today asked China to protect religious freedom and allow citizens to worship freely amid reports that the Communist country had banned fasting in its Muslim-dominated Xinjiang region.

US Asks China To Allow Muslim Citizens To Worship Freely

Indian-Origin Web Expert Faces Jail For Fraud In UK

Indian-Origin Web Expert Faces Jail For Fraud In UK
A 31-year-old Indian-origin web manager charged with siphoning off nearly 100,000 pounds from his boss' firm is facing jail in the UK.

Indian-Origin Web Expert Faces Jail For Fraud In UK

Favorability Ratings Of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump Increased: Gallup Survey

Favorability Ratings Of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump Increased: Gallup Survey
The favorability ratings of Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have increased since they clinched the presidential nominations of the respective Republican and Democratic parties, a Gallup survey said today.

Favorability Ratings Of Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump Increased: Gallup Survey

Union To Strike Against Trump Taj Mahal Casino

Union To Strike Against Trump Taj Mahal Casino
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. — Still seething from the cancellation of its members' health insurance and pension benefits nearly two years ago, Atlantic City's main casino workers union said early Friday it will go on strike against the Trump Taj Mahal casino.

Union To Strike Against Trump Taj Mahal Casino

India Abstains As United Nations Creates LGBT Rights Watchdog

India Abstains As United Nations Creates LGBT Rights Watchdog
India has abstained at the UN Human Rights Council voting in Geneva to appoint an independent expert to look into cases of violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, a resolution which was passed by a narrow margin.

India Abstains As United Nations Creates LGBT Rights Watchdog