Stones in the pond: Rule of Law for Development students at the JFRC

 

"Be the stone in the pond and see how your actions can create a significant impact". This was the message that the students of Loyola's Rule of Law for Development program gave JFRC undergraduates on Tuesday evening, 19 February. This LUC program – housed at the JFRC - focuses on tackling critical development challenges around the world and addresses the complex and growing international rule of law and development field. 

Students from Zimbabwe, Ukraine, Nigeria and Indonesia discussed the state of governance, democracy, politics, constitutionalism and development challenges in their home countries.

Ainun Farji Yani from Indonesia then took the floor, touching first on how Indonesia is a democratic country that still trying to develop its implementation of democracy practice. As a legal analyst, her duty is much more than serving as a lawyer. In Rome, she is acquiring skills and knowledge which she will bring back to her home country upon graduation.

McDonald Moyo then began by discussing the importance of the rule of law as a key enabler of development in Zimbabwe. He underlined how the lack of respect for the rule of law is exacerbating inequality and equitable distribution of resources. Driven by a strong passion for social justice, for the promotion of constitutionalism and for access to justice for all, Moyo is confident that the PROLAW program will help him continue to contribute to solving today’s development challenges.  

Audience members listen to panelists discuss the complex and growing international rule of law and development field

 

The first student to speak was Moses Uyang of Nigeria who has years of humanitarian experience volunteering and working in the field of development. “This program”, he said, “has given me the confidence to be able to assess rule of law challenges affecting young Africans in their various countries and to be able to give my advice where necessary”. In today’s world, continued Uyang, we cannot separate politics from state governance. Therefore he suggests that in order to improve development in Nigeria, voter participation during elections must be encouraged and promoted. 

Panelists discuss their careers and experience in their home countries, along with Executive Director of the Rule of Law Development Program, Dr Thomas Mc Inerney

 

“I chose to pursue a career in law to aid my country in constructing a better and stronger democracy,” began Kseniia Tkachuk of Ukraine. “My passion lies in improving the justice sector, improving access to justice and relying on a people-centered justice approach”. Tkachuk believes that her degree will provide her with additional tools for achieving democracy free from corruption and strengthening the rule of law in Ukraine. Furthermore, she continued, “I am dedicated to assisting the increasing number of veterans in our nation, projected to reach five million. This serves as an additional motivation for me to play a part in making my country a better place on its way to victory and EU integration”. 

Uyang, Yani, Moyo and Tkachuk, like "stones in the pond", are determined to bring about change in their country. These waves of change spread, disrupting the calm and bring new energy to those around them.