When I look back on my journey through the MA in Human Rights and Social Justice program, I can see how much I have grown both personally and academically. This program has not only given me new knowledge but also shaped how I see the world and my role in it. The outcomes that have been most meaningful to me are:
- Demonstrating a critical awareness and understanding of past and present debates that have shaped human rights and social justice issues.
- Demonstrating a sophisticated understanding of and respect for the values of Indigenous knowledge and wisdom.
- Demonstrating knowledge, through experiential learning, of key human rights and social justice issues locally, nationally, and globally.
- Creatively engaging in finding solutions to issues of justice and fairness in contemporary society.
- Each of these outcomes has deeply influenced my learning journey and continues to shape my vision for the future.
1. Understanding the Past and Present Debates in Human Rights and Social Justice
At the beginning of the program, my understanding of human rights and social justice was general and mostly based on common ideas like equality and fairness. However, through challenging courses and rich discussions, I learned how complex and evolving these concepts are. In the course Foundations of Human Rights and Social Justice, I explored how human rights developed historically, from the Enlightenment to the present day. I realized that what we call “universal” rights have actually been shaped by long political and cultural debates.
A major turning point in my learning came from a research project on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). I studied the discussions and compromises that took place before its adoption in 1948. This helped me see how global politics, colonial histories, and cultural perspectives influenced the writing of the document. I learned that even though the UDHR was a major achievement, it still reflected certain power imbalances, and many voices, especially from the Global South, were not equally heard. This experience taught me that human rights are not fixed ideas but living concepts that keep evolving with society. I also learned that understanding these debates helps us become more critical and open-minded. For example, when we discussed topics such as gender equality intersectionality, and racial justice, I began to see how current movements like Black Lives Matter and Indigenous land rights are connected to older struggles for freedom and dignity.
Another assignment that deepened my awareness was a paper on “Decolonization Is Not a Metaphor.” In that paper, I argued that decolonization must be more than symbolic; it must include real actions such as returning land and power to Indigenous peoples. This made me think deeply about how institutions and individuals must move from words to actions if they truly want to achieve justice.
Today, I feel more confident analyzing global and local issues because I can connect them to both their historical roots and present realities. This ability to critically understand past and present debates has strengthened my academic thinking and made me a more reflective and responsible learner.
2. Respecting and Understanding Indigenous Knowledge and Wisdom
One of the most transformative parts of this program has been learning about Indigenous knowledge systems and the deep wisdom they carry. Before joining TRU, I knew very little about Indigenous traditions in Canada. Coming from Ghana, I was surprised to find so many shared values between Indigenous and African communities, such as respect for Elders, the land, and community relationships. The course Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Resurgence of Land-Based Pedagogies and Practices completely changed how I see education and justice. It taught me that learning is not only about reading and writing but also about connecting with the land, the spirit, and each other. I learned about Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and how Indigenous communities use it for environmental sustainability. It reminded me of traditional African farming and healing practices that also honor the land as a living being.
A project that touched me deeply was my research on the Kamloops Indian Residential School. Studying the history of residential schools and the trauma they caused opened my eyes to the ongoing effects of colonization. I learned that healing and reconciliation require truth, acknowledgment, and respect for Indigenous knowledge and experiences. When I saw how the Secwepemc community is reclaiming their culture and teaching their language to children, I understood what resilience truly means.
During my practicum at Secwepemc Child and Family Services, I worked directly with the Cultural Integration Team, helping organize and join traditional activities such as drum making, sewing moccasins, and learning local languages. These experiences allowed me to live what I had studied. The Elders’ teachings and the children’s laughter made me realize that culture is not just about identity; it is also about survival and strength.
Through this, I learned to listen more, to approach others with humility, and to respect knowledge that comes from lived experience. I now understand that Indigenous wisdom offers essential lessons for everyone, it is about caring for people, for the Earth, and for future generations. This outcome has not only enriched my academic learning but also changed who I am as a person.
3. Experiential Learning and Real-World Understanding of Human Rights and Justice
Experiential learning was one of the most powerful parts of my program because it helped me connect theory to real life. My practicum at Secwepemc Child and Family Services was a life-changing experience. Working with Indigenous families and children helped me see how human rights and social justice play out in daily life, not just in textbooks.
I saw how colonial history still affects communities today and how social programs can help heal some of those wounds. My role involved supporting cultural workshops, helping with events, and assisting in activities that helped children reconnect with their roots. I learned that small actions, like making a drum together, can have deep meaning and help restore confidence and belonging.
Before my practicum, I thought social justice work mainly involved policy or advocacy. But now I understand that real justice begins with relationships, listening, showing up, and building trust. This experience also taught me about teamwork, cultural humility, and emotional resilience. It made me realize that working for justice means being ready to learn every day and to face uncomfortable truths with courage.
Outside my practicum, other learning experiences also strengthened this outcome. For example, in the Food, Art, and Community Empowerment course, I created and presented Ghana jollof rice as part of a cultural project. Through that, I learned how food connects identity, memory, and justice. Sharing my culture helped me see how local traditions from Ghana could be linked to global discussions about food sovereignty, sustainability, and respect for local communities.
These experiences showed me that social justice is both local and global. Whether we are working in Kamloops or Accra, the challenges of inequality, culture loss, and marginalization are connected. Experiential learning gave me the tools to not only understand these issues but also take action in meaningful and respectful ways.
4. Creative Engagement in Finding Solutions to Justice and Fairness
Throughout the program, creativity became one of my strongest tools for engaging with issues of justice. I realized that social change can come from art, storytelling, and hands-on projects just as much as from laws or policies.
In the course Contemporary Capitalism, for example, I learned to think critically about global economic systems and how they affect human rights. I used creative presentation methods to show how capitalism influences poverty and inequality in Africa. This helped me learn how to communicate complex issues in ways that connect with people emotionally, not just intellectually.
Another creative project that stands out is the model of the Cape Coast Castle I made for my course on Settler Colonialism, Decolonization, and Responsibility. Building that model from cardboard paper allowed me to express the pain and memory of colonial history through art. It was not just an assignment but it was a way to remember the suffering of my ancestors and connect it to the global fight against oppression.
Through these experiences, I learned that creativity is a powerful form of activism. It helps people feel, understand, and imagine new ways of being. Whether through writing, cooking, or building, I have found creative ways to express justice and fairness that reach beyond words.
Conclusion
Looking back, these four learning outcomes have shaped my personal and academic growth in powerful ways. I now think critically about human rights debates, respect Indigenous and cultural wisdom, apply my learning in real-world situations, and use creativity to express justice. This program has taught me that human rights and social justice are not only about laws or theories, they are about people, relationships, and action. I have learned to listen with empathy, think with depth, and act with courage. The MA in Human Rights and Social Justice program has not just prepared me for a career but has prepared me for a lifetime of service and advocacy. As I continue my journey, I carry with me the values of respect, equality, and compassion that this program has taught me. I hope to keep using my knowledge and experience to support communities, promote human dignity, and help build a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and free.