From welcoming our guests from ZINASU (the Zimbabwean National Students Union), to visiting 10 freshers fairs in 6 days, September was a month packed full of NUS adventures for me.

Clever Bere, the President of ZINASU and Brilliant Dube, the VP at ZINASU were a stunning example of the hope for a new Zimbabwe. I had the pleasure of spending all week with them where I got to know more about the devastating experiences that both had suffered. Speaking at our event in London they symbolised the powerful role students can play in a struggle for a better society and better world, and NUS will continue to support them as they work to rebuild their nation and strive for a better education system and a better life for Zimbabweans.

September also brought me closer to another international issue as I was privileged to be invited to Israel as a guest of UJS. This trip gave me a greater understanding of the experiences of both Israelis and Palestinians as I had the opportunity to meet people from both sides of the conflict. However more importantly I learnt more about the aspects of Israel beyond the conflict - the culture, the religion and the political system. Overall the week was challenging and thought provoking, and I still have many questions but I welcome the opportunity to see more with my own eyes.

I spent most of September publicising Broke and Broken and engaging our members in the higher education funding campaign. From launching the campaign to vigorously challenging Bill Rammell at our Labour Party fringe, I’ve not only enjoyed taking Broke and Broken to our campuses but also using it as a tool to challenge Universities and politicians. The report is just the beginning, but it gives us a great opportunity to outline how the current system is unfair, unsustainable and in need of radical change.

From the questions I received at the Quality Matters event in Manchester to the intense debates I got into at Freshers stalls I just want to say a massive thank you to all the officers and students who took the opportunity to engage in the work NUS is doing, and to challenge us to do more.

September is only the beginning, but with this level of activity and enthusiasm I’m excited by what is yet to come.

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