University of Winchester conference celebrates 100th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s birth

9 Jul 2018

A major conference hosted by the University of Winchester in September will explore how Nelson Mandela’s commitment to and understanding of freedom might help us to navigate our way through our current challenging times.

Freedom in a Fractured World: Sustaining the Legacy of Nelson Mandela forms part of a quartet of major conference events taking place in the USA, Kenya and South Africa this year as part of high-profile celebrations to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of the inspirational South African leader.

Keynote speakers include:

The conference programme also includes a presentation by Dr Mark Owen , Director of the University’s Centre for Religion, Reconciliation and Peace and the first showing of a film by BA (Hons) Film Production students about the University’s recent exchange visit to the Nelson Mandela Museum. Pupils from Frogmore Junior School in Camberley and Winchester initial teacher training students, some of whom took part in the recent exchange visit, will share their perspective on the ongoing impact of Mandela’s legacy.

The University has been invited to host the conference by the Nelson Mandela Museum based in Qunu, South Africa: Winchester is the first university in the UK to partner with the Museum and to collaborate on joint teaching and research activities, study visits and an exchange programme.

“This event will bring together professionals from many social organisations, including schools, to consider Mandela’s values and their significance for our and future generations,” said Matthew Lowden, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Education, Health and Social Care, who is organising the conference.

“Our international reputation for values-led teaching and research has been behind our partnership with the Nelson Mandela Museum and it is exciting to be hosting this commemorative conference at their invitation.”

Freedom in a Fractured World: Sustaining the Legacy of Nelson Mandela takes place on Wednesday 5 September 2018 from 8.45am to 16.15pm, followed by live music and refreshments. The conference is free to attend but booking is essential at: www.winchester.ac.uk/nelsonmandelaconference

For enquiries please contact: MandelaConference@winchester.ac.uk

Press Office | +44 (0) 1962 827678 | press@winchester.ac.uk

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