Doing your bit on Mandela Day

WITH the start of the July holiday and Mandela Day around the corner, the National Youth Development Agency is urging young South Africans to volunteer their services instead of lazing at home.

According to the agency’s chairperson, Sifiso Mtsweni, volunteerism is not only done by those who are unemployed but is the responsibility of everyone.

“In fact, it is important for everyone to understand that they are the citizens of this country and have a responsibility to make a contribution towards its well-being.

“Volunteerism will also enable young South Africans to develop a culture of citizenship, patriotism and social cohesion, so they can transition to adulthood as good citizens.”

The NYDA, which was established by an Act of Parliament in 2008, is an agency established primarily to tackle challenges the nation’s youth are faced with such as poverty, inequality, joblessness and poor health.

Mtsweni said there are various civil society organisations where young people could volunteer.

This included volunteering at orphanages and old age homes, tutoring younger learners finding it difficult to keep up at school, cleaning up the environment in communities and participating in campaigns aimed at alleviating social ills.

Linda Morrison, the managing director of the non-profit organisation We Are Durban, said everyone had something to give back to society.

“Volunteering is just an extension of who we are as a people. There are communities that just need a bit of regular time from others and not just material (things) as help… Your talents or abilities may be the very thing that an organisation needs to improve the service they give to their beneficiaries.” WHAT YOU, OR YOUR TEAM, CAN DO

ON MANDELA DAY: The Denis Hurley Centre needs volunteers daily to to help prepare and serve 300 homeless people. For enquiries, call 031 301 2240.

Volunteer at Stop Hunger Now to pack and distribute meals. E-mail kznbranch@ stophungernowsa.org

Feed The Babies Fund runs a nutritional project that feeds 8 000 orphans and vulnerable children in rural areas and informal settlements in KZN. E-mail info@feedthebabiesfund.org.za or call 031 201 4682.

Spend 67 minutes by volunteering at the Natal Settlers Memorial Homes for the elderly. E-mail info@natalsettlers.co.za

At The Peace Agency where you can do a number of things for 67 minutes from recycling, cooking, shopping or even spending time with babies and toddlers. For more information go to www.my67.org.za