Justice Defenders has announced a transformative graduation ceremony celebrating a new generation of justice champions equipped with legal education and prepared to drive systemic change.
The graduation is set to take place on the 26th November 2024, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, at Kamiti Maximum Prison.
In partnership with the University of London, this unique gathering offers a powerful opportunity for reflection on our shared commitment to advancing justice. The event will bring together global changemakers from the judicial and prison reform sectors, united in support of the remarkable achievements of 29 graduates â a group composed of both incarcerated individuals and prison officers who have undertaken rigorous legal studies despite formidable challenges.
Under the theme, âUnlikely Allies: Transforming Prisons, Communities, and Justice from Within,â the organization honor the perseverance and vision of these graduates. Their journey is a testament to the power of hope, determination, and the belief that justice can thrive even in the most difficult of environments. For these individuals, studying law within the confines of prison represents more than academic achievement â it is an assertion of dignity and the will to make a meaningful difference.
These graduates, some of whom have faced unimaginable adversity, have emerged as symbols of what is possible when opportunity and education intersect, even in the darkest of places. Among them is Priscilla Cherono, who pursued a University of London Law degree to confront the injustices she experienced firsthand, having spent nine years in remand. âMy main drive was born out of the injustice I faced in the criminal justice system. I do not wish for anyone else to endure the same ordeal,â Cherono reflects. âI intend to use my knowledge to assist the less fortunate and defend the defenseless.â
Chief Inspector of Prisons, Mr. Joseph Kariuki Mugatha, who is also graduating, shares a similar sense of purpose: âI was driven by a passion to help the defenseless and bridge the gap between individuals and the criminal justice system.â
These graduates will now carry the mantle of responsibility, using their legal knowledge to uplift and serve their communities. In a world where the scales of justice often favor the privileged, they embody the potential to create meaningful and sustainable change, striving to ensure that justice is both accessible and equitable for all.
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Their journey serves as a powerful reminder that, regardless of circumstances, every person deserves a chance to make a lasting impact.
