Who was Mandla?
Mandla was a bright and big-hearted young girl, aged 12, whose life was tragically cut short in a car accident on August 10, 2019, while traveling with her parents from Fort McMurray to Edmonton.
Although her life was brief, her light and spirit continue to shine.
She dreamed of becoming a doctor and a loving mother. Always ready to help and constantly thinking of others, she deeply believed in the importance of giving back to her community. Her compassion, energy, and joy touched everyone she met — and inspired the movement that now bears her name.
The light of Mandla continues to shine
The Mandla Foundation was created to honor her memory and carry forward her dream of building a better world — by uplifting youth, serving communities, and spreading love.
With active programs in Fort McMurray, Alberta, and in Cameroon, we empower young people to become leaders, changemakers, and beacons of hope in their communities. Whether organizing food drives in Canada or launching educational initiatives in Cameroon, Mandla’s legacy continues to live on through action.
Message of Mandla
If Mandla could speak to us today, her message might be
“Don’t wait to make a difference. You are neither too young, nor too small, nor too ordinary. The world needs your light. Start where you are, with what you have, for the people around you. That’s where change begins. That’s where hope lives.”
OUR MISSION
Honoring Mandla’s legacy by equipping and inspiring young people — in Canada and Cameroon — to serve, lead, educate, and bring positive, lasting change to their communities through actions guided by compassion.
OUR VISION
Inspiring a world where Mandla’s spirit of compassion, service, and courage lives on — by empowering young people to lead change and build stronger, more loving communities.
OUR VALUES
Living with compassion, acting with courage, serving with dedication, and inspiring hope — in Canada and Cameroon — to build caring, strong, and loving communities where everyone finds the strength to contribute and let their light shine.
Our Partners
