Friday 18 July is a special day at The Skills Village which is in commemoration of Mandela Day to remind the nation of Madiba’s real legacy which signifies the sharing amongst people by bridging the gap between the haves and the have-nots.
Situated in Bertrams Johannesburg, the Skills Villlage was established in 2011. It is a framework for cooperative development and management, with a series of interconnected physical spaces where cooperatives, businesses, individuals and communities come together to work, collaborate and showcase what they do. The Skills Village as a series of interconnected physical spaces is centred on a section of Frere Road in Johannesburg.
On Mandela Day the Skills Village is doing something extra special by inviting those within the MICE industry to be a volunteer and bring a young person along to partake in one or more of the various projects within the Village. Industry individuals may prefer just to be there and enjoy the vibe of young and old from all different shades and persuasions assisting one another for a productive future. There is also the Bertrams Inner City Farm opposite the Standard Bank Arena where John Robbie of Radio 702 will be broadcasting.
Janet Landy the fire behind this outstanding project – spearheads IFEA (International Festival and Events Association) which is also an Event Greening Forum founding member – commented ‘This is a small start for social inclusion – and interestingly as a result of these small interactions, contacts are made and a couple of youth/ young graduates have found employment through the tiny steps’.
In the words of Nelson Mandela: ‘‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead’’
Do make an effort to be there. Contact Janet on 082 920 5182 for all the details and directions.
