Mandela day 2021: Reflecting on our mission
By Nabila Okino
“As long as poverty, injustice and gross inequality persist in our world, none of us can truly rest” - Nelson Mandela
As young Africans going through the motions of university life about 5 years ago, Alex and I often reminisced about Africa, and all the change we could bring. We were very confident that we could change the course of the continent’s destiny and lead her to prosperity. I wanted to set up projects across the continent responding to issues of conflict, women and children’s rights. Alex wanted to return to Zimbabwe to contribute in solving its economic woes. Our dreams had no limits. Although we are yet to ‘change the course of the continent’s destiny,’ we’ve managed to keep our dream for a better Africa alive through our work with and our ambitions for The Continental Approach.
The ability to visualize change amid intense difficulties is made possible by the work, impact, passion and persistence of those who came before us. They fuel us with the zeal to push forward even when the future seems uncertain. That’s who Nelson Mandela is to us, a symbol of what we can achieve when we dream and when we act. In the words of the former UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon, ‘Nelson Mandela showed what is possible for our world and within each one of us - if we believe, dream and work together.’
The Continental Approach aims to give back ownership of the African narrative to young Africans, empowering them to dream, engage and act for the progress of Africa! So far, with the dedication of young changemakers across eight African countries, The Continental Approach has provided a platform for young Africans to write about burning social, economic and political issues, weigh in on policy matters and provide solutions to the issues within their countries and the continent as a whole.
With the world’s slow but inevitable transition from the pandemic, it has become imperative for young Africans to not just dream but act and adopt innovative means in solving their country’s challenges. This includes being important voices in the tech and finance spaces; tackling issues of climate change, challenging oppressive regimes, and demanding accountability from their governments - among other things. Yes, we cannot all be like Nelson Mandela, but we can try.
Although our ambitious university dreams have since changed, what has stayed constant is our belief that Africa can be more. The path to the Africa we want may be daunting and riddled with self-imposed obstacles but this cannot and should not deter us.
Our imaginations and dreams are valid. They are achievable. Happy Mandela Day from all of us at The Continental Approach.
Nabila Okino is a lawyer, human rights consultant and researcher. She has worked in various NGOs in Nigeria and undertaken research projects for organisations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the University of York. Her interests include protecting and promoting women’s rights; global equality and sustainable development in Africa - through research, advocacy and policy change. Her interest in development and policy in Africa comes from her belief in the potential of the continent and its inhabitants to shape their narrative and work towards their individual and collective prosperity.