Nelson Mandela has conveyed a message of support and encouragement to the NUS Black Students' Campaign in advance of its annual winter conference in Wolverhampton this weekend. (registration details below)

In a message the former President of South Africa and ANC leader said;

"It is a pleasure to send support to your NUS conference for young black students. I encourage you to use this gathering to listen and learn, and to share experiences with your brothers and sisters. I wish you success with your project."

NUS Black Students Officer, Ruqayyah Collector commented;

'It is truly inspiring to receive this message from someone who has done so much to challenge racism and inequality. It reminds us that we too can make a real difference. I hope it encourages even more Black students to come to the conference and to get involved in the campaign.'

The conference, set to be one of the biggest in the campaign's history, will also see the launch of a Charter for Black Representation, a high-profile campaign for proper Black representation in colleges and universities and the launch of the NUS Black Students' Handbook 2006/7.

High profile speakers will address the conference including Lee Jasper, Domique Walker, Sister of student Anthony Walker murdered in a racist attack, Sabby Dhalu, Unite Against Fascism and a representative of the British Muslim Initiative.

Discussion will include challenging rising Islamophobia and the growth of the fascist British National Party and plans to mark 2007 as the 200th anniversary of the decision to abolish slavery in the British Empire .

In addition, workshops will provide support for Black students in standing for elections, setting up anti-racism campaigns on campus, campaigning for prayer room in every college and training on running clubs and societies.

For information relating to the NUS Black Students' Campaign conference contact NUS Black Students' Officer Ruqayyah Collector - ruqs@nus.org.uk or 0796 662 7291.

The NUS Black Students Campaign Conference is open to African, Arab, Asian and Caribbean students. The registration fee and travel costs are paid for by the students' union and includes the cost of food and accommodation. It is still possible to register for the conference although a late registration fee of £10 for FE and £50 for HE will now be charged. Black students wanting to attend the conference can download a registration form from www.officeronline.co.uk //events/nationalevents/272738 .aspx

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