Background Information

Inspired by the ILO Constitution affirming that "universal and lasting peace can only be established only if it is based upon social justice" (Preamble); the Vienna Declaration and Programme of Action treating social justice as a purpose of the human rights education (Part II D), and the Ubuntu philosophy affirming human dignity, co-existence, belonging and self-assurance, the Institute adopts rights-based approach in its endeavors: training, research, publication, legal aid and consultancy.

Services offered by the Institute recognize the inviolability of humanity founded on justice, and affirms people's inherent equality and entitlement to the same rights, privileges, accessibility and opportunities. Moreover, the knowledge and skills offered by the Institute affirm social solidarity in shared interests, objectives and standards.

The objective stems from the conviction to promote social justice and the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The Institute broadly seeks to create a free society; promote understanding, tolerance, friendship and peace; and to remedy social inequality. The Institute appreciates the greater good shared by many (appreciates the belonging in a greater whole in the sense that if one individual in a society is diminished all others in the community are diminished, humiliated or oppressed).

Services offered by the Institute present a process and a goal ensuring full and equal participation of individuals in meeting common societal needs and values. The Institute presents a societal vision of justice, peace, freedom, dignity, equality, security, co-existence, understanding, generosity and honor. It affirms the proposition that "I am what I am because of who we all are"

Legal Status.

The Institute is registered by the National Council for Technical Education (NACTE) pursuant to the National Council for Technical Education Act of 1997 (Act No. 9 of 1997).

Mission.

The mission of the Institute is to impart knowledge and skills that enable the recipient to understand and seek justice; embrace humanity; deliver services generously; and create and live a culture of honor.

Vision

The Institute envisions an education and projects that enhance just and sustainable solutions to social problems and create a safe, equitable and self-assured society.

Motto.

Research.

The Institute is a dedicated think tank which undertakes independent research projects and provides an in-depth analysis of conventional and non-conventional issues related to human rights, social justice, peace and conflict resolution. The approach taken involves examining thematic and specific matters. In this context, the research prioritizes existing legal and non-legal solutions to specific social conflicts and problems. In particular, studies on the occurring social consequences of implementation of the law or other norms and on the developments of social justice phenomenon are undertaken to test the efficacy of law and other forces in protecting and promoting the inviolability of humanity founded on justice, people's inherent equality and entitlement to the same rights, privileges, accessibility and opportunities.

Consultancy and Field Work.

The Institute involves students and staff in agencies and social justice settings and participates in consultancies with a view to provide fair and just response to emerging issues, themes and trends. The Institute undertakes and/or support fieldwork by providing personnel, basic information and other tools, as well as resources and evaluating field practica. Moreover, the Institute provides a room for interested agencies to conduct fieldwork in pressing issues in collaboration with the Institute.

Legal Aid Clinic.

The Institute offers pro bono (free) legal services to disadvantaged groups and members of the community who cannot afford mainstream legal charges so as to widen access to justice and equality before the law. In this regard, the Institute uses its human resources and volunteers; work closely with the already established legal aid schemes; and liaise with other individuals and organizations with interest and commitment in provision of legal aid. The scope of this scheme, where practicable, includes legal representation, legal training and advice, and provision of legal counseling and legal advice to the poor and vulnerable groups in the society. The Institute also plays a leading role in identifying discriminatory laws and, where practicable, strives for their changes in order to harmonize relations between existing classes in the society.

Volunteerism.

The Institute contributes to social justice through volunteerism by engaging its staff, candidates, participants and community members in tackling social justice challenges. The Institute seeks to transform the nature and pace of social justice through creating and providing voluntary opportunities for professionals to teach candidates and serve in the community based outreach programmes and for the community members to participate in Institute's educational and outreach programmes and thereby strength trust, solidarity, and reciprocity between volunteers and beneficiaries.

Publication.

The Institute prepares an annual publication - Journal - comprising writings from both prominent and upcoming authors. A particular issue is based on a chosen theme depending on societal prevailing circumstances.

People and Power.

The Institute promotes and enhances corporate social responsibility by equipping community members with necessary knowledge and skills to primarily engage in the prevention, suppression and holding accountable any violation of moral, ethical, or social norms, values and aspirations by corporations, agencies (public and private) or businesses. Also the Institute engages strategic initiatives to compel corporations to embrace social standards and to ensure that markets, commerce, technology and finance advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere. In this regard, the Institute focuses in the areas of Anti-Corruption, Human Rights, Environment and Labour.

The Institute identifies, promotes and enhances benefits of voluntary initiatives to the advancement of corporate social responsibility. This approach is founded upon the idea that voluntary initiatives are most effective when they play a complementary role in relation to law or regulation. The strategy aims to create value for both corporations and for society as a whole by instilling a culture of corporate leadership and innovation in pursuit of responsible behavior and giving voice to the people's concerns.

Certificate in Law Programme - Aims and Objects

The Institute facilitates the broadest possible impartation of the foundational knowledge of law among community members whose professional or regular work often interfaces with the lawn and yet lack the relevant legal training; and those individuals whose qualifications fall short of eligibility to enroll in diploma or degree programmes. The programme acts as a ladder for further studies in the field of law for individuals aspire to practice law yet do not have the required qualification. In this regard, the Institute takes into serious consideration gender balance and reasonable accommodation and opportunities for persons from disadvantaged groups.

Upon completion of the Course, students are expected to acquire ability to apply basic legal concepts, theories, and fora in handling basic legal matters. Students must have:

Program Duration

Short Courses

The Institute offers short courses to interested individuals. These courses do no lead to the award of the Certificate in Laws. However certificates acknowledging successful attendances of the candidates are duly issued. The Institute allows candidates to undertake courses at the Institute and transfer the credits they score to the institutions they are originally or prospectively enrolled.

Make Up Programme.

Students who have completed Form Four or equivalent and scored at least Division Four but with no above-specified credits shall be required to attend a special make-up programme comprising of introductory courses on the core subjects of the Certificate in Law Programme and subsequently sit for an examination. If a candidate scores a B grade will be eligible for admission.

Eligibility for Admission.

1. Candidate must be a holder of Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (ACSEE) with at least one principal pass and subsidiaries in relevant subjects and must have passed with credits in English and/or History subjects in Certificate of Secondary Education Examination (CSEE). OR

2. Candidates should have completed at least form four (O' Level), or its equivalent with at least two Principal level passes one preferably one being English or History.