March University of Galway launches Nelson Mandela Fund

Initiative aims to promote race equality throughout the University community

University of Galway has announced the Nelson Mandela Fund to promote a culture of race equality and to support scholarships for students.   

The initiative was unveiled as part of celebrations and events at the University to mark Race Equality Week.

The fund is being established to help fund more than a dozen new scholarship places and to support the University’s actions as a global leader for impactful and inclusive teaching, research and innovation, staff and student experience and passion for culture and creativity.

The late Nelson Mandela was hosted at the University in 2003 when he was awarded an honorary doctorate of laws.

In his address at the conferring, the Nobel prize winner said: “Let us together hope and work for a world in which there will be peace and on the basis of that peace the building of a more prosperous life for all the people of the world.”

Launching the Nelson Mandela Fund, Galway City Labour Party Councillor Helen Ogbu, said: “Nelson Mandela showed the world that true leadership is rooted in empathy and understanding. The University of Galway is dedicated to embedding his legacy throughout our community, recognizing that while strides have been made toward a fair and equal society, racial inequalities still persist in higher education and beyond. By embracing equity—ensuring every individual receives the support they need—we can dismantle systemic barriers and foster diverse leadership. The Nelson Mandela Fund is a vital step in answering Mandela’s call, advancing not only equality but also the benefits of equity that empower communities and build a more just society"

Dr Helen Maher, Vice-President Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, University of Galway, said: “The Nelson Mandela Fund is founded by University of Galway to promote Mandela's legacy of courage and persistence in combating race inequalities and oppression during apartheid and promoting non-racism, non-sexism, peace, and reconciliation in post-apartheid South Africa. Mandela was a beacon of hope, a symbol of unwavering strength and compassion in the face of unimaginable adversity and a global inspiration to all who envision an equal society. Through this fund, named in his honour, our aim is to enable, empower and embed a culture of race equality throughout University of Galway and our communities.” 

Owen Ward, EDI Programme Manager for Race Equality, University of Galway, said: “The Nelson Mandela Fund will contribute towards a range of Scholars at Risk and University of Sanctuary scholarships to promote a culture of welcome and inclusion for Irish Travellers, International Protection Applicants, refugees and other immigrant groups experiencing exclusion. This is another concrete action by University of Galway to advance race equality within the university and wider society”.

A series of other key events are planned as part of Race Equality Week at the University, including:

• The inaugural Nelson Mandela Leadership Award will be presented by the South African Ambassador to Ireland, Mrs Nicolette Schreiber. The award will recognise a student and/or staff member for their significant contribution to advancing race equality.
• A panel discussion will be held with University of Sanctuary Scholars who will discuss the transformative effect the scholarship has made to their lives.
• The Wear Red Day 2025 campaign takes place on Friday 21^st March when the Immigrant Council of Ireland are asking everyone to Wear Red to send out a strong message that, as a community, we welcome diversity, celebrate it, and take a stand against racism in all forms.
• The Irish Centre for Human Rights Annual Distinguished Lecture takes place. Israel-Palestine: The Relevance of International Law will be delivered by Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967.
• During the week, panel discussions, workshops and cultural exhibitions take place with opportunities for staff, students and the public to learn more about race equality.

For more about Race Equality Week visit: https://www.universityofgalway.ie/equalityanddiversity/

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