Ambassador Lenk and the Israeli Embassy

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Every year on the 18 of July, the UN asks individuals around the world to mark Nelson Mandela International Day by making a difference in their communities. Everyone has the ability and the responsibility to change the world for the better, and Mandela Day is an occasion for everyone to take action and inspire change.

By devoting 67 minutes of their time – one minute for every year of Mr. Mandela’s public service – people can make a small gesture of solidarity with humanity.

This global movement for good was borne out of  a United Nations General Assembly resolution A/RES/64/13 which  recognized Nelson Mandela’s values and his dedication to the service of humanity, in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the fight against poverty and the promotion of social justice. It acknowledges his contribution to the struggle for democracy internationally and the promotion of a culture of peace throughout the world.

It is out of respect and support of this unique individual and the resolution of the General Assembly that Ambassador Lenk and his wife Ruth have every year over the last 4 years of their diplomatic sojourn ina South Africa given of their time, intellect, skills and love towards the development of the most vulnerable in township communities of South Africa

Mandela day 2017 was no different. The Ambassador and Ruth Lenk and the entire staff of the Israeli Embassy joined Afrika Tikkun at the Phuthaditjaba Centre in Alexandra for their 67 minutes to honour the legacy of Madiba.

The staff of the Israeli Embassy used their time to interact and engage in stimulating activities with the children that attend Afrika Tikkun’s Early Childhood Development Programme.  Other staff helped out with packaging and distributing food parcels to 60 families identified as a result of certain socio-economic vulnerabilities including unemployment.

The Ambassador’s wife, Mrs Ruth Lenk hosted an art session with the 6 and 7 year olds.  “I decided to do an art activity with the Grade R Class because from my experience, this is what this age likes to do and it offers a lot of creativity and development for the kids. I love Afrika Tikkun, I have been working with them for four years now and I have enjoyed every minute of it. “She remarked.

The day was full of fun, interactive and educative activities and give-aways. The young and elderly were astounded by the impressive array of stakeholder involvement.  Bridget, an Afrika Tikkun beneficiary, expressed gratitude saying, “We are thankful for this act of ‘Ubuntu’. As Nelson Mandela said, “I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in their efforts to solve the problems of this continent.”

“We know that when we do something with Afrika Tikkun, we really make a difference because you get to experience an organisation that is doing so much for the future of children of South Africa. I am so happy to spend my afternoon meeting children who are smart and exciting, loving and ready to play. It is such as incredible opportunity”, said Ayellet; the embassies spokesperson.

We know this week concludes the 4 year stay of the Ambassador and his family who have invested so much of their time, resources and networks in support of the work that Afrika Tikkun does for young people from Cradle to Career. We remain determined to do whatever it takes to ensure that today’s young people are tomorrow’s productive citizens.  In so doing, we maintain the legacy of Jewish leaders like Ambassador Lenk.

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Source: Afrika Tikkun

Media Contact: Catherine van Schoor | catherinev@afrikatikkun.org | 072 767 1115