Mandela hails STARS objectives and pledges support

Born in Soweto and educated in the Transkei, Mandla Mandela can be described as custodian of the Mandela legacy. Just as his grandfather gave his life to the cause in which he believed, so Mandla dedicates considerable time to ensuring that those aims and visions are perpetuated.

Speaking at the Dubai press conference Mandla said; "Today STARS, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, fills the sky with light. Just four weeks from today we, all of us, have a chance to help our children - to fill the world's skies with stars." Mandla's words reflect the ethos that is at the heart of his Grandfather's foundation - that there is hope, and that from hope can come change.

Just as Mandela changed the world, his trust now works to protect, educate and promote confidence in children so that each and every one grows up with the confidence that they are capable of making a difference. Mandla described the objective with the words; "We help those who can give children the confidence that each of them can change the world.''

Mandla went on to explain how his grandfather's trust shares the beliefs of STARS organisers that "technology is life":

"The Science, and Arts Royal Summit understands that technology really means life in its every aspect. Education is everything and children must be empowered to discover their special gifts."

The Nelson Mandela Children's Fund is supporting STARS and shares the STARS Foundation's involvement with the United Nations Special Session on Children, believing that together people can achieve what cannot be accomplished by individuals.

"His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Arab world are doing a good thing. Together they have reminded us that there is hope. Through STARS and its participants the world is coming together here to help the children of the world."

Mandla's grandfather is famous for both his acts and his words, but it is his words that capture the spirit of STARS and explain the summit's phenomenal appeal. When Mandela said "the time has come for us to stop talking and start acting" he was quoting the adage by which he has lived his life. His grandson's presence in Dubai is an example of conviction and belief in action.