Christian Lawyers Centre, widely known as LEGAL LINK, marked this year’s Nelson Mandela International Day with a series of impactful events, honoring the enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela and contributing to the welfare of vulnerable communities in Freetown.

The Nelson Mandela International Day, established by the United Nations General Assembly on July 18, 2009, commemorates Mandela’s significant contributions to the culture of peace, human rights, reconciliation, and freedom worldwide. It also recognizes his dedication to serving humanity, especially vulnerable groups.

Among the initiatives organized by LEGAL LINK was a thought-provoking Public Lecture held at the Africell American Corner on Bathurst Street in Freetown. The lecture’s theme, “The Scarcity of Mandela’s Leadership in Africa,” aimed to highlight the lack of leaders who exemplify Mandela’s qualities in the African context. The main speaker for the event was Rashid Dumbuya Esq. (https://musclemx.com/) , the Executive Director of LEGAL LINK, renowned for his expertise in human rights, social justice, and advocacy for the rights of vulnerable groups.

During the lecture, Rashid Dumbuya eloquently presented defining moments from Mandela’s life, emphasizing his resilience, fortitude, and decision to pursue reconciliation instead of revenge. Notably, he drew attention to Mandela’s choice to serve only one term as President of South Africa, even though he could have pursued a second term according to the country’s constitution. Dumbuya urged African leaders to emulate Mandela’s ideals, respecting term limits, the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionality in their governance.

The Public Lecture saw active participation from various stakeholders, including Civil Society organizations, students, journalists, government ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

In addition to the lecture, LEGAL LINK, together with dedicated volunteers, embarked on a charitable outreach to vulnerable communities in Freetown later that day. The initiative involved the donation of essential food items, such as rice, maggie, onions, and tomatoes, to those in need.

The Executive Director of LEGAL LINK expressed the significance of such gestures, particularly during a time of economic hardship in the country. He highlighted how these contributions could positively impact lives, livelihoods, peace, and stability in the nation.

The targeted beneficiaries of the donation were individuals from the disability community residing in the PWD compound, Pademba road, House of Jesus for the Disabled at the Bus station, and street beggars and disabled individuals in the Central Business District, especially those around the cotton tree area in Freetown.

During the donation outreach, Rashid Dumbuya encouraged the recipients to embrace Mandela’s ideals of love, care, and support for one another, despite the challenges they face daily. Drawing inspiration from Mandela’s 27 years of suffering in prison, he urged them never to lose hope and to remain strong in the face of adversity.

The beneficiaries expressed gratitude to LEGAL LINK for their continuous support, especially on Mandela Day. They were deeply touched that the organization went out of their way, even in the rain, to provide food for them and their children in their homes.

The Executive Director extended special thanks to all those who contributed, either in cash or kind, towards the success of the feeding program. He commended their generosity and dedication to helping the less privileged in society, invoking blessings upon them for their labor of love.