THE niece of perhaps the world's most iconic leader visited Basingstoke this week as she talked to school children about education.

Pumeza Mandela, niece to former South African president Nelson Mandela, discussed her thoughts on the importance of connecting children from across the world to boost education.

Ms Mandela joined students from Manor Field Junior School, as well as other children of various schools across the town, for the talk which was followed by a range of interactive activities and refreshments.

Schools who joined in the fascinating talk included Cliddesden Primary School, CBEC and Kings Furlong Junior School.

In preparation for her appearance at the Rights Respecting Education Annual Conference Winchester University, Ms Mandela spoke about the different ways in which teachers, schools and children in Hampshire can develop relationships to ensure equality.

Ms Mandela told The Gazette: "It is so important that the children across the globe learn how to love each other and learn about each others' behaviours. It's about ensuring stereotypes do not exist and that it doesn't matter if we are different. If we can educate children of this then we can plan for a better future.

"I have been so surprised with the response from all the children I have met and how much they know about Mandela's legacy - it's really touching. 

"Everyone has spoke with such warmth it really feels like his legacy will continue."

Ms Mandela has visited schools from across Hampshire to promote the legacy of Nelson Mandela in her new role as Education Manager for the Nelson Mandela Museum.

To welcome her visit to Manor Field pupils have been learning about the harrowing history of South Africa before Nelson Mandela's rise to presidency as well as other global leader.

They also helped build a colourful wall of bunting which decorated the school hall where Ms Mandela's talk took place. 

Headteacher Kirstie-Anne Sangway said: "All of the children have really engaged with this - even those who were unable to be present at the talk. Each child decorated their own piece of bunting to make Ms Mandela welcome and they were all excited to make sure their's was up for when she arrived.

"Having someone like Ms Mandela visit is a privilege but for these children it has really helped them cement the knowledge of what they have learnt about the Apartheid and what the importance of equality, regardless of whether this is race or sexual orientation, really is."

Nelson Mandela was president of South Africa from 1994 until 1999 but remained a leading 

Year six pupil Jessica Dunne said: "She is very inspirational. Interacting with all of us and talking about Nelson Mandela and what he had to face when was a prisoner was fascinating."

Hannah Skipp, who is in year 3 at Manor Field, said: "I have learned so much and I came up with this quote. It doesn't matter about colour, only thing that we're together."

Joe Coltman, from Year 6, said: "It was nice to have someone from his family come over here and visit us. Nelson Mandela was an inspiration to the world and stopped wars - he is amazing.

"I still think that wars do not bring peace, calmness brings peace."