Celebrating diversity – International Mandela Day Event in Santa Cruz, Bolivia
On the 18th of July 1918 in the community of Mvezo, South Africa Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born – his name today is the synonym of liberty, commitment to social justice, wisdom and profound respect for humanity and civil rights.
“We can change the world and make it a better place. It is in your hands to make a difference.” Nelson Mandela
In November 2009, the UN General Assembly declared 18 July “Nelson Mandela International Day” in recognition of the former South African President’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom.
Mandela Day is a call to action for individuals – for people anywhere in the globe– to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place, one small step at a time, just as Mr Mandela did.
In Santa Cruz Bolivia on the 18th and 19th of July the Foundation Aprendizaje en Acción – AEA will celebrate the third consecutive time the festivities in remembrance of the birthday and the legacy of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.
The Foundation Aprendizaje en Acción is a pioneer Bolivian NGO devoted to the promotion of human right, civil participation, equal opportunities, gender equality, and motivates personal or collective development inspired by the example of Nelson Mandela’s struggle for civil rights and social development.
“The message of Mandela is omnipresent – his legacy is the one of genuine leadership and symbol of persistence of justice and social inclusion – Mandela is an example of humanity to all of us” – said Patricia Chávez Zalles director of AEA.
The “International Nelson Mandela Day” in Santa Cruz Bolivia is a true intercultural event with art, live music and dialogue – celebrating diversity with the participation of representatives of United Nations in Bolivia, the Afrobolivian Community of Santa Cruz as well as representatives of different ethnic groups of and youth organizations of the Plurinational State of Bolivia.
The dance assemble of the Afrobolivian Community of Santa Cruz and the Soul Jazz Band will enrich the event with live music and the spectacular Afrobolivan saya dance from the Las Yungas region of the country.
It is our greatest pleasure at LatimoPORT.hu digital media to join forces with the AEA Foundation alongside with the Autonomous Departmental Government of Santa Cruz, Semanario Uno, Souzainfantas and Smart Ideas Agency to promote the message of diversity and participative citizenship.
At Latimo we share the view of AEA, that today more than ever the cooperation between actors of the civil society of Latin-America and Europe is a true act of civil diplomacy. Our joint efforts – inspired by the figure of Mandela – are aimed to build mechanisms of integration by promoting inclusive and participative social experiences, promoting values and practices for the development of lasting social peace.