SHABAB, a division of the Syria Trust for Development,hosted the South African Ambassador, Shaun Byneveldt, on August 24,2011 in a joint effort to celebrate Nelson Mandela Day and to promote Shabab’s new open dialogue program, Dardashat.  

International Mandela Day is annually celebrated on 18 July as a call to action for people, everywhere, to take responsibility for changing the world into a better place. Mr Mandela spent more than 67 years serving his community, his country and the world. In following his example, South Africans and all those who share in the Mandela Day celebration devote 67 minutes of their time, on this occasion, to community service.

Ambassador Byneveldt’s presentation dealt with the interconnected concepts of tolerance and reconciliation, as embodied in the South African example of nation building post-1994. He drew in his presentation on the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela, a life dedicated to the struggle for a free, non-racial, non-sexist and democratic South Africa, a life that continues to remain an inspiration all over the world and that is a symbol of the human spirit. 

Said Ambassador Byneveldt: “His life and legacy symbolise the triumph of the human spirit.   Nelson Mandela continues to stand tall and he makes us stand tall.  He inspired us to reject prejudices and hatred, he inspired us to love people and to embrace peace, he inspired us to be bold and brave, to be defiant and uncompromising, but, moreover, he inspired us not to lose sight of the moment to reconcile and embrace each other.  Nelson Mandela has raised the bar to an all-time high to show us all the height that a human being can reach in moral strength.”

The Dardashat participants’ interest in the subject was clearly reflected in the questions they posed after the presentation. Many considered the life and legacy of Nelson Mandela as an example to be emulated and held the South African liberation and reconciliation experience in high regard.

* Launched recently by SHABAB, Dardachat mainly focuses on enabling youth to embrace a culture of dialogue and diversity, encouraging them to get more involved in positively affecting their communities and addressing their own challenges through efficient and appropriate channels. While discussing various topics and challenges facing Syrian youth, Dardachat facilitator stimulates participants to define the challenges, suggest solutions and develop action plans, start initiatives and be part of it.