Written by: Anthony Magezi

The 2009 summer school on human development and human rights (Indonesia) is such an immense experience that I can actually write a 200 page novel or even more about it. When I left Uganda three weeks ago, I did not expect to be engaged in all spheres of my stay, from the more detailed/immense “class” lectures to the casual but enriching conversations among the summer friends, to visiting unique and interesting places which already booked their places in Indonesian History books to meeting a Buddhist monk that instantly left a mark on my life. Am beginning to appreciate the fact that every year brings unique offerings to one’s personal journey, and to human history. You may not realize it at the time, but this summer school has a lifetime bond that will nourish my soul in the decades ahead.

Understanding pluralism from a diverse perspective (human rights, sustainable development, identity, religion, philosophy etc) has opened me to new challenges that I believe will enable me reflect a lot long after the summer school. It has created a foundation on which I can aspire to fulfill my desire/quest for knowledge and I believe I will never be the “same again”. One outstanding challenge though that I have to live with is to try to relate the theory to my everyday practical work. With the knowledge and determination, I believe its achievable!!.

The summer participants?, I really cannot get one single word to describe the group but staying, sharing and knowing each other has made me reflect on how the creator of humanity must have been special himself, I mean each of the 18 participants has at least a special/unique character and you really appreciate the essence of diversity when you try to peep into each and everyone’s personality. Summer school has enabled participants get an education that Martha Nussbaum terms as “that would awaken students to self-scrutiny and to their capabilities for love and imagination” (Cultivating Humanity (1997)).

Well every thing said and done, I highly regard the summer school and as members proposed, the organizers should really think of the alumni meeting some time in the future, incase such a meeting comes up and am asked where it could be staged apart Uganda, I will no doubt mention Yogyakarta for it has been a thrilling place for me for the past three weeks. From the shopping’s to the ever smiling people and as earlier mentioned to the finest pieces of architecture dating centuries back to the friends and the communal life, nothing beats the summer school absolutely.

I go back to Uganda with a believe that indeed pluralism, tolerance and inclusion of all are possible. Eleanor Roosevelt said “It is neither unusual nor new for me to have Negro friends, nor is it unusual for me to have found my friends among all races and religions of people.”

While Martin Luther King, Jr. said “I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality... I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word”.