A Vibrant Tribute to Mandela's Legacy
(Nairobi, 20 September 2024). On a bright morning at Kilimani Integrated Primary School, anticipation filled the air as two trucks rolled in, their cargo destined to make a significant impact. Among the students watching was 12-year-old Karimi Njoki, a girl with disabilities, whose excitement was palpable. She, along with 1,400 schoolmates, was about to experience a day dedicated not only to remembering Nelson Mandela but actively extending his legacy into their lives and community.
Kilimani Integrated Primary School is a unique institution that serves a diverse student body, including learners who are deaf, blind, and those with other special needs. It is a place where inclusivity is not just preached but practised, making it a fitting venue for celebrating Mandela’s values.
The event, initially planned for July 18th, the official Mandela Day, was rescheduled September 20. This change underscores a mantra that "every day is Mandela Day," and Mandela's legacy extends beyond a single date, encouraging us to embody the values he stood for consistently.
The day began with the arrival of distinguished guests, including Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, and H.E. Ambassador Mninwa Mahlangu, the South African High Commissioner to Kenya. The guests were greeted with a guard of honour by the school scouts, symbolizing the respect and admiration held for Mandela’s enduring influence.
Before the formal proceedings commenced, the dignitaries took an emotionally moving tour of the school’s special units. This interaction underscored the day’s focus on inclusivity—a principle Mandela championed fervently. The tour highlighted the school’s commitment to providing an adaptive learning environment for all children, profoundly impacting the dignitaries by showing the tangible effects of embracing diversity and accessibility.
The heart of the event was palpably felt during the recitation of a poem by the pupils. The words spoken reflected Mandela’s values—his unyielding fight against apartheid and his vision for justice and equality for all. This year’s theme, "Fighting Poverty and Inequality Is in Our Hands," resonated through each line, reminding all present of the power of collective action.
The tree planting ceremony was more than a symbolic gesture—it was a commitment to growth, resilience, and sustainability. Each sapling planted by the dignitaries represented hope for a future as steadfast as Mandela’s legacy.
A significant highlight was the UN's gift to the school—11 laptops, 11 monitors, two printers, 31 desks, and 17 cabinets. These were not merely gifts; they were tools for empowerment, facilitating better learning environments for the children. The act was part of the "67 minutes of service," mirroring Mandela's 67 years of dedication to humanity, emphasizing that everyone has the power to make a difference.
As the event unfolded, Ms. Bangura and Ambassador Mahlangu, along with other volunteers, engaged in painting the walls of the Special Unit for the deaf, blind, and visually impaired. This collaborative effort was a practical demonstration of Mandela’s teachings—unity and community service.
In her poignant remarks, Ms. Bangura reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to inclusion and empowerment, especially for those with disabilities. “The improvements we celebrate today,” she said, “reflect our ongoing mission to ensure that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can access and benefit from our shared environments.”
The day concluded with tangible enhancements to the school and an invigorated spirit among the students. For Karimi and her peers, the day was a profound reminder of the impact one individual’s legacy can have on the world. It was a day of learning, of service, and of celebration—a day that truly honoured Nelson Mandela’s memory by continuing his work.
See Photos for the Day
