SCJPS Student Development Activities Reflection
Character Formation and Leadership
On Tuesday, September 3, 2024, SCJPS students convened at the UB gymnasium for a seminar
on Student Development. The initial focus of the seminar was on character formation and
leadership. Training in these areas is crucial for student development as it lays the groundwork
for future success in both life and career. By cultivating traits such as integrity, resilience, and
empathy, students not only advance their personal growth but also positively impact their
communities. This process equips them with the initiative, teamwork skills, and confidence
needed to tackle challenges. Such preparation enables them to handle future responsibilities
effectively and contribute meaningfully to any task. In summary, fostering strong character and
leadership skills in students is essential for purposeful and ethical leadership, which in turn
promotes personal fulfillment and societal progress.
Understanding Human Rights: Foundations for Justice
The next segment of the seminar centered on human rights and their role in achieving justice. For
criminology students, understanding human rights is fundamental as it forms the ethical basis for
their future work. Adhering to principles of justice and equity involves respecting the dignity and
freedoms of all individuals, which is critical for effective law enforcement, litigation, and crime
prevention. A solid grasp of human rights ensures that students approach their work with a
heightened sense of ethics, enabling them to advocate for fair treatment and protect marginalized
groups. This knowledge helps them address complex issues with compassion and integrity,
ultimately fostering positive institutional changes and a more just society.
Building Bridges: Empowering Students Through Peace Education
The final activity explored peace education and its impact on criminology students. Initially
unfamiliar with the concept, I began to understand its relevance as the speakers elaborated. Peace
education is vital for criminology students as it equips them with techniques for conflict
resolution, restorative justice, and community building. By integrating these principles into their
education, students learn to prevent violence, promote reconciliation, and address the root causes
of criminal behavior. This approach encourages dialogue, empathy, and sustainable solutions,
thus preparing students to contribute to a more peaceful and just society. With these skills,
criminology students can better support their communities and foster social integration.
Summary
The growth of criminology students is significantly influenced by character development,
leadership training, human rights education, and peace studies. Strong character and leadership
abilities are fundamental for ethical decision-making and problem-solving, empowering students
to navigate complex situations with integrity and confidence. A thorough understanding of
human rights ensures that justice is pursued with respect for all individuals' dignity and
freedoms. Additionally, peace education provides tools for resolving conflicts and promoting
restorative justice, nurturing a non-violent culture within communities. Together, these elements
create a comprehensive approach to developing empathetic and ethical professionals who can
positively impact their communities and advance justice. Integrating these values into their
education helps students make meaningful contributions and drive positive change in their
surroundings.
