The **Perantsa National Union of Students (PNUS)** is the largest representative body for university and college students in the Republic of Perantsa. Established in **1964**, it functions as both a student advocacy organisation and a federation of local student unions, representing more than **310,000 students** across 38 higher-education institutions. PNUS campaigns on issues affecting young people—such as tuition fees, housing affordability, civil liberties, employment conditions, and digital rights—while also coordinating national student activities, events, and welfare programmes. --- ## **History** The Union originated during the *Perantsa Education Modernisation Programme* of the early 1960s, which expanded access to tertiary education. A coalition of campus clubs and student guilds founded PNUS to create a unified national voice on education policy. The organisation gained prominence in the 1970s through high-profile protests over tuition increases and academic freedom. Subsequent decades saw PNUS evolve into a broader platform for youth advocacy, with a stronger focus on welfare and representation of marginalised student groups. --- ## **Activities** ### **Representation and Advocacy** PNUS engages in national policy debates and regularly contributes to legislative consultations. Its core advocacy areas include: - student housing and rental protections - funding for higher education - mental health support services - public transport affordability - protections for student workers and interns - safeguarding digital privacy and online rights The Union is known for its annual **Student Voice Survey**, a major indicator of youth sentiment in Perantsa. ### **Events and Programmes** PNUS organises: - the annual *Perantsa Student Congress* - inter-university cultural festivals - leadership and skills development workshops - national volunteering and community service campaigns - the “Bright Futures” employability week held every spring The Union also distributes emergency hardship grants and coordinates a volunteer-led mental health peer-support network. --- ## **Membership** PNUS is a federal body comprising **38 university and college student unions**. Membership is automatic for all students enrolled at participating institutions. Local unions elect delegates to the **National Council**, which sets policy and strategic direction. --- ## **Political Position** While officially non-partisan, PNUS is often associated with progressive and youth-focused advocacy. It does not endorse political parties but may publicly support or oppose legislation affecting students. The Union frequently collaborates with civil society groups, trade unions, and youth advocacy networks, depending on issue alignment. --- ## **Governance** PNUS is governed by a **National Executive Committee (NEC)**, elected annually by the National Council. Positions include President, Vice President (Policy), Vice President (Welfare), and Vice President (Education). As of 2025, the President is **Rian Korvel**, a former student activist. Funding comes from member subscriptions, government youth development grants, sponsorship agreements, and revenue from Union-organised events. --- ## **Role in Public Affairs and Crisis Situations** Due to its reach across the young adult population, PNUS is frequently consulted during national crises involving: - campus safety - cyber incidents affecting universities - public protests - transportation disruptions - misinformation campaigns targeting young people The Union maintains a rapid-response communications team capable of mass messaging through social media, SMS alerts, and campus union networks. Authorities and media outlets regularly seek PNUS’s input when incidents impact the student population. --- ## **Criticism** PNUS has periodically faced criticism for being: - **too politicised**, particularly during election cycles - **unrepresentative of non-university youth**, such as apprentices and vocational students - **slow to address rural student issues**, including poor transport and limited accommodation In response, the Union has broadened rural outreach and expanded partnerships with vocational student groups.