By Gilliane Nyaosi
On February 27, the Criminal Justice Club (CJC) members attended the Human Rights Symposium hosted by Strathmore Law Clinic at Strathmore University. SLC, marking a decade of service, hosted this as the first of four symposiums to unite practitioners, clinicians, and students on strengthening access to justice for vulnerable communities.
Nine CJC members participated primarily as audience members, engaging in networking and dialogue. Aligned with the SLC@10 celebrations, this visit formed part of the club’s collaborative initiatives, marking a significant step in fostering partnerships for broader impact in legal aid and human rights. CJC actively pursues experiential learning through events and visits, emphasizing practical applications in criminal justice and human rights. Criminal Justice Club’s invitation reflects its demonstrated potential and goal alignment, creating a prime networking platform for students.
The symposium featured a panel discussion titled: A Decade of Dignity, which focused on legal aid within human rights practice. Discussions reflected on the clinic’s achievements and explored ways to collaborate for greater reach, including reimagining human rights approaches. Among the key highlights of the day was the discussion on “hard truths” of human rights work as well as a deaf speaker’s perspective on challenges for persons with disabilities, such as stigmatization and financial barriers. Attendees acknowledged government efforts like affirmative action to reduce marginalization.
The club members gained hands-on exposure to real-world advocacy, enhancing students’ experiential learning through dialogue and networking. Immediate next steps include joint projects, training sessions, and the Club hosting Criminal Justice Week on April 1-2, 2026.
This visit is a reflection of the education and vibrant campus life that USIU-Africa promises its students. They are exposed to a diverse community with 50+ sports and clubs that help them grow beyond the classroom through leadership and personal development.
