West Midlands Launch Announced for “The Letter to Nelson Mandela” Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 27TH NOVEMBER 2025
Three of the region’s leading education establishments University of Birmingham, University College Birmingham, and Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College have come together to host the West Midlands launch of “The Letter to Nelson Mandela” Competition.
The initiative invites young people to write a short, personal message to Nelson Mandela, expressing the kind of world they hope to see future generations grow into.
The project encourages pupils to think about issues shaping life today from fairness and equality to unity, justice, leadership, climate, compassion and opportunity drawing inspiration from Mandela’s lifelong commitment to dignity, peace and human rights.
Nic Careem founder of the Competion and House of Commons legacy book to the great man will be joined at the launch by Olympic legend Fatima Whitbread MBE, who serves as both Patron and Judge for the competition.
About the Competition
Children and teenagers are invited to write a letter beginning with “Dear Mr Mandela,” sharing their own reflections, hopes, ideas and imaginative solutions for building a kinder, fairer and more peaceful society.
Thirty exceptional submissions from across the UK will be chosen for a unique honour each will be invited to pen a handwriien message to the historic House of Commons Mandela Legacy Book of Messages, a collection which already includes personal tributes from global figures, world leaders, humanitarians and cultural icons
Closing Date:
Entries must be submitted by 18 July 2026, which is recognised worldwide as Nelson Mandela Day.
Founder’s Statement – Nic Careem “Nelson Mandela reminded the world that children are its greatest treasure. This competition gives young people a chance not only to reflect on the values he stood for, but also to speak with confidence about the kind of world they want to help shape. Their ideas matter, and their words have the power to inspire.”
Who Can Enter
- Open to pupils aged 8 to 18
- Schools, academies and colleges throughout the East Midlands are welcome to take part
- Letters must be between 250 and 500 words
How It Works
Entry packs will be provided to participating schools, and completed letters will be submitted through each school or college’s designated coordinator.
Competition Enquiries Contact:
Trina Tiernan
West Midlands Regional Coordinator
The Letter to Nelson Mandela Competition
Tel: +44 7535 142212
Press Contact:
Marketing Team
Joseph Chamberlain College
Email: jccmarketing@jcc.ac.uk
Phone: 0121 446 2200