Free to be Virtual

Robben Island is an educational project of Uthango Social Investments intended to promote different social philanthropy projects in Africa with a focus on Human Rights; Uthango also manages Virtual Africa as a place for SL’s global visitors to explore the people and possibilities of the continent through learning about a number of RL non-profit development iniatives. Robben Island’s 52288 square meters include a marketplace, and a number of educational exhibits. One of these pays tribute to Nelson Mandela’s 40 years of struggle against apartheid with an exhibit that features artwork inspired by him, and moving thoughts quoting Mandela’s speeches and essays about freedom. Signs posted across the sim feature the different articles from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as part of a Human Rights Discovery Tour in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Declaration. A larger African Arts and Culture Center in a lovely open space connects Mandela’s work to international struggles for social justice, with different exhibits of photographic and other work documenting the lives of working people not only in South Africa, but around the world. There is also a very beautiful memorial to Miriam Makeba, which includes a space where visitors can listen to her music while viewing portraits of the late activist at different stages of her life and career. Another display identifies from their search profiles other groups existing in SL that feature aspects of African culture. You can tour the region by taking a free balloon ride, and by purchasing a virtual bicycle to get around the sim, or renting one of eleven virtual campsites, you can donate directly to the Uthango project. African Voices Lounge provides an additional space where visitors can relax and socialize, enjoying a beautiful build that represents the rugged landscape of South Africa.