Global Citizenship programme growing

Socially responsible: The first group of students to complete the Global Citizenship: Leading for Social believe the programme has changed their lives.

The UCT Global Citizenship: Leading for Social programme is becoming ever more popular, with over 200 students enrolling this year - more than double last year's intake.

At the launch on 11 April, students didn't waste time getting started, discussing some of the key ideas that will be explored over the programme - poverty, development, service, globalisation, citizenship and social justice.

The course is run by the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED), and provides students with an opportunity to get to grips with current issues and debates on global citizenship, leadership and social justice, and to reflect on community service experiences. The programme stems from the university's commitment to enhance graduate attributes by encouraging them to think critically about problems facing the country, the continent and the world, and to respond accordingly.

At the event, deputy vice-chancellors Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo and Professor Crain Soudien expressed the university's support for the programme.

Students who participated in the inaugural course last year, were recently presented with certificates, and gave the programme a thumbs up.

"I have come to understand the world I live in, and how to be a more socially responsible citizen," said one.

"This programme has made me an active citizen, making me socially aware of my surroundings with issues such as poverty and development," added another.

Professor Ian Scott, deputy dean of CHED, congratulated the students, saying that they had made an important investment in doing the course.

"[Doing the course] is an investment in your future, and in giving hope to future generations who will have to confront the challenges of the contemporary world," he told the students.

This year's courses include lectures, online activities (blogging, e-debates, podcasts), learning events and reflective sessions.

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