It is that time of the year again when Rhodes University and Grahamstown gear up to participate in Trading Live for Mandela Day. In line with the central objective of Mandela Day, this initiative provides staff at Rhodes with an opportunity “to take action to help change the world for the better, and in doing so build a global movement for good.” This year, Trading Live for Mandela Week will take place from 24 to 28 July.
The Trading Live conceptis that as many staff, students and community organisations, businesses and schools as possible donate at least 67 minutes of their time during this week to build new relationships of reciprocity between the Grahamstown community and Rhodes University. This is achieved by making and accepting offers to trade their skills, talents, interests or hobbies with other interested parties.
The Communications and Advancement Division is putting out a challenge to the Rhodes community to get creative and think of what each of their departments can offer and request for this exceptional cause. Some of the departments that have already made their offers and requests include Commerce, Chemistry, the School of Languages and the Centre for Biological Control, Centre for Social Development and the Institute for Water Research.
Last year over 50 community based organisations, student groups and departments came together to participate in 118 Trading Live events across 59 locations and in over 257 hours.
For more information on how to take part please contact the RU Community Engagement (RUCE) office: Nosipho Nkwinti on 046 603 7482, or email your queries to tradinglive@ru.ac.za.
Please also visit please visit the RUCE website: http://www.ru.ac.za/communityengagement/events/mandeladay for some inspiration and ideas.