Today millions of people sung Happy Birthday to Former South African President, Nelson Mandela’s 93rd birthday. Now known as Mandel Day, July 18 is an international holiday adopted by the United Nations. July 18 is more than just a day to celebrate the anti-apartheid heroic leader’s birthday; this day is a global movement to commemorate his life’s work and honor Mr. Mandela’s legacy through an act of kindness – 67minutes to be exact. Sixty-seven minutes represents the number of years Mr. Mandela dedicated to ensure equality for South Africa, from 1942 until his retirement from public service in 2009.

by Bill Frist, MD

This weekend marks the celebration of the independence of a new nation, the Republic of South Sudan. A close friend, Ken Isaacs, was there to witness the joy:

"Today the Republic of South Sudan declared its independence from Sudan. Hundreds of thousands of people were present as well as dozens of dignitaries and international representatives.

There were parades of the various military units of the South. Youth groups, wounded veterans, police corps and other citizen groups also marched past the grandstand.

I have never seen or experienced such joy in Sudan. People cheered as loud as thunder. They sang and cried with tears of joy."

On June 30, 2011, my fellow ETSU Frist Global Health Leader, Megan Quinn and I had the opportunity to meet with the Orphan and Vulnerable Children Coordinator of a local NGO in Munsieville, Lagae La Bana (Home for the Children). This organization focuses on servicing orphaned and vulnerable children with daily meals and social support throughout the year. During that meeting, it was decided that a program for those children would be implemented during winter break from school. The program focuses on engaging children in the area of academics, arts, sports, and health issues of the community. This program also seeks to engage pensioners and non-working adults in developing a cooperative. This cooperative will seek to start a project that benefits the community through government funding.

Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to experience the beauty of South Africa, relish in the culture, and learn from the local people. My colleague, Twanda Wadlington and I are based in the West Rand district of the Guateng province, specifically working in the Munsieville township. We are both working with Project Hope United Kingdom’s “Thoughtful Path” program.

The Thoughtful Path program aims to engage and empower the community to create positive health and social change for the orphaned and vulnerable children in Munsieville. The community, community based organizations, and the local government are typically involved in all aspects of the various projects associated with the Thoughtful Path. That said, we have had the opportunity to meet with a variety of different community members and organizations during our time here.