Mandela Day 2025

Mandela Day Collaboration: A Small Bookmark with the Power to Save Lives On Mandela Day 2025, the Human Rights Screened Foundation proudly launched the first component of our Universal Hand Signal for Help Awareness Campaign — the Print Awareness Drive, This national campaign seeks to introduce and normalize the use of a discreet hand signal that individuals, especially children and youth, can use to silently alert others when they are in danger or experiencing abuse. The official launch of this campaign was made possible by the collective spirit of Mandela Day — the spirit of service, humanity, and unity. One of our earliest supporters was the incredible team from Liberty led by Matthew Wiggins , managed by Nuriya Creighton who was assisted Ganiuef Adams & Team who responded to our call for assistance on the Forgood Platform. They helped bring this vision to life by producing and donating 180 beautifully designed bookmarks. These bookmarks, though small in size, were powerful in impact. They featured the Universal Hand Signal for Help, national helpline numbers for victims or responders to call, and a message of encouragement directed at young learners. With these bookmarks, we aimed to both educate and inspire — turning a single piece of paper into a life-saving communication tool. The event was held at the Western Province Cricket Club in Rondebosch, Cape Town, and hosted on the platform provided by Mr James Albanie from the Department of Social Development, Lord’s Taverners and Spirit Foundation, who generously allowed us to use their Mandela Day space. The day brought together learners, educators, social workers, and volunteers — all united under the theme of empowering youth with the knowledge and tools to seek help safely and effectively. During the awareness session, learners were guided through how the signal works, when to use it, and what to do if they ever see someone using it. A heartfelt thank you goes to Sapho Wulana, our in-house director and resentatives from the Department of Social Development, whose partnership and presence ensured the message was both credible and actionable.visual storyteller, who captured the day in photos and video — ensuring the message lives on well beyond Mandela Day. Her footage will be used across our digital platforms to continue spreading awareness throughout schools, communities, and youth centers across the Western Cape and beyond. This campaign is about much more than a symbol. It’s about creating a culture of safety and support — where even the most vulnerable feel seen, heard, and helped. By equipping learners with this knowledge, we’re building a silent, yet powerful, network of watchfulness and compassion. To the Liberty team — thank you for being one of the first to answer our call. Your support went far beyond the bookmarks. You helped us spark a movement. To the Department of Social Development, the Western Province Cricket Club, the Lord’s Taverners & Spirit Foundation, and every individual who contributed — your involvement made this Mandela Day one that truly honoured Madiba’s legacy. This is just the beginning of a mass awareness Campaign. Our next project is a National Schools/Youth Üniversal Hand Signal For Help Tik Tok Video Competition with great prizes such as Bursaries and Tech Gadgets . Email the Foundation if you want to enter the competition, know more and if you would like to join the campaign irrespective of which province you live in. --- Would you like me to format and send this in a Word doc too?