Social justice inspires students

Global minded: Student Isabelle Giddy presents at a ceremony to celebrate the UCT Global Citizenship: Leading for Social Justice programme.

In words and in action, students expressed how the UCT Global Citizenship: Leading for Social Justice programme has broadened their knowledge and inspired them to address global issues.

At a function to mark the completion of the pilot phase of the programme on 18 October, students celebrated in words and song.

The programme is run by the Centre for Higher Education Development, and provides students with an opportunity to engage with current issues and debates on global citizenship, leadership and social justice, and to reflect on community service experiences. The programme stems from the university's commitment to enhance graduate attributes by encouraging them to think critically about problems facing the country, the continent and the world, and to respond accordingly.

Over 100 students - more than double the number initially envisaged - took up the programme, which was a combination of online and group work.

Students Vukile Ntozakhe and Tebogo Photoane said the programme has enhanced their understanding of the world, and of the role they can play in improving things.

"There is so much that we can do for the less fortunate in our spare time," Ntozakhe said.

Deputy vice-chancellor Professor Crain Soudien said he was pleased at the impact the programme has had on students, and at the enthusiasm students have shown towards addressing global problems. The outcomes of the pilot programme will be considered in planning for next year.