By Philippe Vion-dury (Human Rights Volunteer from France, 1 month)

I went to South Africa because I was magnetically attracted by the Rainbow Nation dream. Even if a lot a things are still problematic, even if the violence strikes every day, the inequalities are visible everywhere, the human rights not always respected, the Mandela's will is still existing in every heart. His huge peaceful shadow continues uniting black, colored and white people, Zulus and Afrikaners, fighting the call of violence and discord. I saw a true nation, a beautiful melting pot happy to proudly sport their new flag with hope and confidence and their future. I was very touched. 

This picture has been painted at the Kuyasa Primary School in the township of Khayelitsha. I painted the portrait on a wall, trying to use an equal quantity of black and white to remind that Mandela made the choice of the Unity. It was on my last day at work and was maybe the most beautiful way I could conclude my trip here. Even if the portrait is hidden in a dark room of the school, I'm sure that some eyes will see it and I hope they will remember their past and the beauty of the Madiba's convictions. 

To end I'll leave you with some words from Al Siquilli : If I am made of earth, the latter is my home in its entirety, and all humanity are my brothers.