The 18th of July was marked as Nelson Mandela Day to commemorate the life of Nelson Mandela and to encourage people to embrace democratic values and work toward a more just and equitable society. The day is used to encourage individuals to donate 67 minutes of their time to a chosen charity or community service.
With such close ties to Africa we want to give back and embrace the path of Madiba, as without his convictions and life of inspiration, Africa would not be what it is today and would not have had such an impact on our growth.
On the 18th of July, Oak will engage with the Kolectif Rivier Noir (KRN), a registered non-governmental organisation whose mission is to unite local NGOs and other social actors in order to optimise their resources to improve the quality of life of the residents of Rivière Noire, the region where Oak Mauritius's office is located.
KRN ensures that it works in partnership toward a common vision: the social inclusion and sustainable community development for the people of the Rivière-Noire by equipping them with the means to realise their fullest potential.
How will Oak engage with 67 Minutes Mandela Day on the 18th July with KRN?
Literacy program
130 children are enrolled in KRN's daily 16:00pm - 17:30pm after-school literacy classes. As a first step in our engagement with KRN, Oak Mauritius will provide 67 minutes of time off to employees willing to assist in the literacy classes, which are overseen by only two volunteers. Oak Mauritius hopes to continue to receive long-term support for the literacy programme from staff members who are willing to volunteer on a rotational or other basis.
Accounting and Administration Literacy
KRN does not have professionals ensuring that their accounting and administrative records are prepared professionally and in the correct format to satisfy the authorities regulating NGOs. Our Oak Mauritius accounting and administration team members will support and assist KRN accounting and administrative records whenever necessary by spending the required number of hours at KRN's office.
Food program
Being from underprivileged families, most of the kids in the literacy program barely have dinner on a daily basis. On the 18th July Oak Mauritius will provide a hot meal to each of the children. We will also look at how we can engage with KRN over longer term because: “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice” - Nelson Mandela
Oak Mauritius Volunteering at Kolectif Rivier Noir (KRN)