Jordan marks Nelson Mandela Day

AMMAN — The South African embassy on Wednesday celebrated the Nelson Mandela International Day in Amman by commissioning the painting of the UNRWA Jabal Amman co-educational school to honour the memory of the anti-apartheid political leader on the centenary of his birth.

Embassy staff, South African nationals living in Jordan and a group of UNRWA staff painted the walls and classrooms of the school during the commemorative event, with the help of student volunteers from other UNRWA schools in the surrounding areas.

South African Ambassador John Davies expressed his commitment to the fulfilment of the traditions established to celebrate Mandela Day over the years, including the symbolic dedication of 67 minutes of the day for voluntary good deeds.

“The number 67 symbolises the years Nelson Mandela dedicated to the service of the people of South Africa and the world,” the ambassador explained, explaining the choice of an UNRWA school to mark the occasion by saying “the Palestine refugee cause is inextricably bound up with the legacy of Nelson Mandela, as Mandela himself was one of the strongest supporters to the cause”.

Director of UNRWA Operations in Jordan Roger Davies showed his gratitude to the South African Embassy, expressing that “today, Palestinian refugee students join millions around the entire world to mark the birthday of a great man, and, for the second time, UNRWA Jordan is honoured to host the occasion”.

The official highlighted the importance of the event in light of the current context, noting that the agency promotes human rights education in its schools, and seeks to support symbolic activities that re-inforce the value of community service and concepts of human rights and humanitarianism among students. 

“This was a wonderful and inspiring event, which assured us [Palestinian students] that officials and decision makers are ready to take care of us,” student Mohammad Yasser told The Jordan Times, stressing: “Nelson Mandela is one of the people who have inspired me to continue studying and helping other students.”

“The insistence and determination of Nelson Mandela made him a national hero,” Yasser continued, saying: “It was his determination that made him able to achieve all his goals and satisfy the aspirations of his community.”  

Officially declared by the United Nations in November 2009, the Nelson Mandela International Day (also known as Mandela Day) recognises the South African leader’s legacy and contributions to peace and justice, reminiscing his calls to “make of the world a better place”.

This year, the Nelson Mandela Foundation is holding Mandela Day under the theme of “Action Against Poverty”, honouring Mandela's leadership and devotion to fighting poverty and promoting social justice for all.

“Positive change was the gift left to all of us by Nelson Mandela, but it can only become a living legacy if we take up on his challenge,” the foundation said in a recent statement, calling on the civil society to “become someone who makes every day a Mandela Day by taking action against poverty to show others that actions speak louder than words”.