Flow celebrates children on Mandela Day

Nelson Mandela Day, celebrated on Thursday, July 18 this year, marks a day of celebration for the life and work of the humanitarian, child advocate and former president of South Africa.  To commemorate this special day, Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions joined many other private and public sector organizations to partner with the South African High Commission to celebrate the life of this world leader.

(l-r) Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility specialist at Columbus Communications, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands and caretakers at the SOS Children’s Village admire the beautifully crafted art pieces created by the children at the home to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day on Thursday, July 18. 

Columbus and the South African High Commission hosted a very special treat for children at the SOS Childrens’ Village which included the feature movie ‘The Lion King’, sweet treats as well as a Nelson Mandela Art & Craft showcase put on by the children.  Mandela, who has been an advocate for the protection, safety and nurturing of children, was a prominent supporter of building an SOS Children's Village in Umtata, in the Eastern Cape Province. Since then, he has spoken openly, encouraging people across the world to support this charitable organization.  Columbus has also adopted the Home and has supported several initiatives to support the continued growth of the Home.

Mandela’s passion for children and a desire to end their suffering also led him to establish the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF) in 1995, among a number of other institutions in his name dedicated to the development of youth and the advancement of education.

Columbus Communications also shares this passion for youth development. In honour of Nelson Mandela, Columbus is implementing efforts to build awareness of his life and work of this legendary icon, role model and for many, a hero.

"We are delighted to be able to play our part in spreading Mandela’s message," noted Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility specialist at Columbus Communications Jamaica Limited. "We are proud of our longstanding association with the SOS Children's Village and feel that this special initiative is very appropriate, especially because of what the charity represents in fostering a better living experience for the children there, which is what Nelson Mandela also fought for," she continued. 

The Lion King which took the world by storm in a ground breaking animated series in 1994 and is set against the majestic backdrop of Africa, tells a simple, powerful story of a young lion cub named Simba and his heroic journey to claim his destined role as king of the jungle. Showing this movie on Mandela Day sends an important message about the link between some of Nelson Mandela strongest attributes, unmovable willpower, self-discipline and determination and his rise to success.

Nicole Campbell, corporate social responsibility specialist at Columbus Communications, operators of Flow and Columbus Business Solutions brands, shares cupcakes with the children at the SOS Children’s Village on Thursday, July 18.

The theme for this year is ‘Take action, Inspire change and make everyday a Mandela day’. The SOS initiative will also see the children participating in creative activities such as poetry, music and arts and crafts to express their understanding of Nelson Mandela and what he means to them.

In a further effort to promote the celebration, the broadband service provider will broadcast Nelson Mandela Day messages on Flow’s Interactive Programming Guide for the period.  In addition, Columbus employees will be volunteering 67 minutes of their day on Thursday to serving others through charity involvement, service in the local community and other worthwhile causes.

The SOS children's Village offers orphaned and abandoned children a permanent home in a family oriented environment and prepares them for an independent life. Children at SOS are raised with caregivers who function as "The Mother and "The Father" within the "House" and "The Village".