Reflection: A symphony of curiosity - My Reflections from the African Universities Hub for Human Rights 2025 Summer School

The sight of a diverse mix of different people, colors, languages, and ages mingling in the cold morning air of the solid brick masonry ambience of the University of the Western Cape campus is my most vivid memory, a symphony of curiosity that defined my five days at the African Universities Hub for Human Rights 2025 Summer School.

I recently returned home from this summer school at the University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa, which ran from 29 September to 3 October 2025 under the theme: “Sustainability, Innovation, and the Future of Defending Human Rights in Africa.” I went in expecting to learn some academic stuff and jargon and the typical textbook human rights topics, but I left with something entirely different.

The keynote lecture was an awe-inspiring experience. The speaker framed the current geopolitical trends, introducing us to the “authoritarian playbook.” This was not an abstract concept; it was a precise checklist of tactics: the weaponization of fear, the blaming of outsiders and the marginalized, the revision of history to secure a place in that history, and the divide-and-rule strategies. One point that kept echoing in my mind is how authoritarians are obsessed with the law, insisting that everything was done “according to the law,” while on the other hand, the regime will use, abuse, and misuse the very law to capture and oppress human rights defenders.

“I was then introduced to the common yet overlooked concept of storytelling. This was the icing on the cake…From that session alone, as we were presenting our group’s work in a storybook format, I conceived a very clear project concept that I will implement back at home in Kenya.”

 

The other lesson was that with the geopolitical trends, human rights defenders should also question the economy, especially as we navigate this age of critical minerals and remain vigilant of the media, a traditional Human Rights ally that can be easily co-opted by those in power. The message from this lecture was clear to all the participants: the pitch and the rules are changing, and so must our game. The keynote address, titled “Global Shifts & Implications for Human Rights and Democracy in Africa,” was presented by Deprose Muchena, delivered with refreshing clarity.

This new understanding of systemic threats was immediately followed by a crucial, practical skill set: digital security. In a session led by Tawanda Mugari of the Digital Society of Africa, I learned that safety begins with viewing everything as a potential risk. Reflecting on instances of internet shutdowns and discussing documentation and advocacy strategies in the digital age, I was taken by surprise. I had never considered the digital angle with such gravity. Mr. Tawanda made me feel acutely at “risk” yet simultaneously equipped me with the knowledge to be safer online. This was the perfect example of what the summer school can offer, pairing high-level theory with ground-level survival skills.

I was then introduced to the common yet overlooked concept of storytelling. This was the icing on the cake. I love highly interactive and colorful sessions where we have to use colors. The mix of personal and collective narratives for advocacy and visual and creative tools ignited something in me. I love art, and I have friends who are much more creative than me, so I kept thinking of ways we could work together. This session unlocked the vault of creativity and showed me how all the pieces of my puzzle fit perfectly. From that session alone, as we were presenting our group’s work in a storybook format, I conceived a very clear project concept that I will implement back at home in Kenya. That long and interactive session led by Prof. Fiona Anciano and Babongile also gave me a unique opportunity to have a close interaction with participants from other countries with very diverse perspectives, ideas, and cultures.

The choice of panelists was great, starting with Fidelis Mudimu from Frontline Defenders and Khanyo from Amnesty International, where I learnt that ‘Solidarity is the currency of the oppressed.’ I took this to my heart, body, and soul. Activists from different contexts such as Sri Lanka and Myanmar (a) gave me a lot of hope in this work of defending human rights from the lessons they learnt in their countries. This was well complemented by Sindisa Monakali, an energetic host who kept us awake and attentive in that warm afternoon. Prof. Bhekinkosi Moyo shared clear and straightforward strategies to mobilize resources beyond traditional donors and build and strengthen movements. As a casualty and survivor of USAID being dismantled by DOGE, I took a lot of notes in this lecture.

The pause and recollection moment was very necessary during learning and missing home. The Arise team came in handy with the workshop on Stress, Trauma and Wellness for HRDs. They did a lot in a very short time. I really appreciate getting that booklet, “A Tool for Self-Care,” which I will definitely use to build my long-term resilience required for this demanding work. Again, the great host, Sindisa Monakali, did well with the Activists Exchange, where I also took a lot of notes and appreciated the different struggles and issues that activists deal with within themselves, the people they serve, and the people who try to oppress them.

Outside the Summer School programme, I was glad to have a friend who took the time to show me around the university campus. UWC has a great and artistic library. I loved it! The visit to the Institute for Poverty, Land and Agrarian Studies (PLAAS) and interacting with the interns and volunteers supporting PUG ignited a familiar spark, a strong desire to return to formal studies, and maybe become a researcher in the future. This is an option I am now seriously considering.

Those five days were a whirlwind that compressed a year’s worth of learning into one intense, beautiful experience. Then there was exam time… the persona who had kept us comfortable and relaxed during the five days was suddenly the examiner! Dr. Mmeli Dube gave us quite a scare for a moment; most people were already wondering, “Where is Nheo to rescue us?” But the tension quickly gave way to a celebratory close. With closing remarks from Prof. Matete Madiba, and the presentation of Certificates of Participation, the event ended with a great celebration and memorable photo session.

Now that I’m home, the buzz of Cape Town, Bellville may be gone, but the conversations, lessons, and connections continue in my mind. I am now more committed and better equipped to defend human rights, carrying a small piece of UWC’s resilient and creative spirit with me. And it always feels good to see a follow-up email from Nheo, a reminder that this symphony of curiosity is far from over.

Read more about the Africa Hub Summer School here.