Schools and churches are embarking on a series of events to commemorate the anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from jail.

Community leaders say people in Bermuda should draw inspiration from Mandela’s remarkable achievements in transforming South Africa during his journey from prison to president.

All schools on the Island have been asked to focus on the theme “Release, Reconcile, Renew” in their assemblies on Friday, two days ahead of the 16th anniversary of his release following 27 years in captivity.

Meanwhile, church sermons over the next week will urge worshippers to reflect on how Mandela’s attitude of forgiveness after regaining his freedom helped bring peace to troubled South Africa.

The programme is being run by Imagine Bermuda 2009, a community initiative aiming to lay the foundations for the 400th anniversary of the settling of the Island.

Organisers said they backed The Royal Gazette’s Break The Chains campaign, which calls for world leaders take action to help free 12 million people currently trapped in varying forms of modern day slavery.

They said people should regard Mandela’s achievements as an example of how anybody can help change the world for the better.

Rev. Nick Dill, an Imagine Bermuda 2009 committee member and pastor at St. John’s Church, Pembroke, said it was important people recognised Mandela’s attitude towards reconciliation.

“We are out of sorts with our creator at the moment,” said Rev. Dill.

“We need to use Nelson Mandela’s strength as an example. Just before he went to prison he said he wanted a South Africa where everyone could live together.

“He was not allowed to go to the funeral of his mother or his eldest son. Yet when he was released from prison his first words were that he was prepared to die for the sake of freedom.

“Mandela said you can hate politics, and the ideas behind the politics, but never hate the person.

“If you look at the life of Jesus, he was a tremendous example but almost too good to be true. You see Nelson Mandela and you realise that all things are possible.”

Sermons at all AME Churches on the Island will focus on Mandela at the weekend.

Rev. Larry Lowe, of Mount Zion AME Church, in Southampton, said: “We want to let our young people be aware and knowledgeable of what Nelson Mandela did. Hopefully, it will inspire them.”

Glenn Fubler, co-chairman of Imagine Bermuda 2009, said: “We are looking at highlighting the example that Nelson Mandela’s release set in terms of worldwide leadership.”

In a letter sent to schools across the Island, Mr. Fubler points to Bermuda’s strong historical links with South Africa.

At the start of the 20th Century, thousands of South African prisoners of war were transported to exile on the Island during the Boer War, while more recently Bermuda has retained strong business links with the country.

“The transformation of South Africa is one story that has resonated with people around the world,” Mr. Fubler’s letter states.

“As a result of the links with South Africa, we believe that the South African story offers particular lessons for Bermuda.

“In light of this, Imagine Bermuda 2009 is inviting our community to join in an observance that examines the transformation of that distant land, symbolised by the journey of Nelson Mandela from prison to president.

“We have selected the theme ‘Release, Reconcile, Renew’, which speaks to the example that Mandela has provided in transforming a circumstance in which he was considered a victim of Apartheid, to one in which he was a key creator of a new South Africa.

“We are inviting the Island’s schools to use that theme during their assemblies or various class activities. This would provide students an opportunity to reflect on an important piece of 20th Century history and any implications the theme might have for their school and Bermuda.”

Carlos Symonds, principal at Clearwater Middle School, said: “I certainly believe the students should be aware of Nelson Mandela and the role he played in promoting justice.”

More events are being lined up for the coming months, particularly the anniversary of Mandela as president on May 10.

Our Break The Chains campaign was launched in the run-up to the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade in Britain and its territories in 1807.

Referring to Break The Chains, Mr. Fubler said: “It’s a very positive campaign and has the same message we have at Imagine Bermuda 2009.”

To add your name to the petition, go to www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign and fill in your details.

To comment on The Royal Gazette <$>Break The Chains campaign, call 278-0153 or email tsmith[AT]royalgazette.bm.