Practicum Reflection: Connecting Theory and Practice in Human Rights and Social Justice
My Practicum experience was one of the most transformative parts of my MA in Human Rights and Social Justice program. It provided me with an opportunity to apply classroom learning to real-world settings, where theory, advocacy, and human connection came together in meaningful ways. Through this experience, I deepened my understanding of human rights, social justice, and the ethical responsibilities that come with engaging diverse communities.
Bridging Coursework and Real-World Experience
The coursework I completed prior to my Practicum laid a strong foundation for understanding complex social issues, and the placement allowed me to see how those ideas operate in practice. Courses such as Foundations of Human Rights and Social Justice and Colonialism: Decolonization and Responsibility gave me the theoretical framework to understand structural inequalities and the power dynamics that sustain them. During my Practicum, I observed these dynamics firsthand while working with individuals and families who faced systemic barriers related to poverty, race, and marginalization. For instance, in Indigenous Ways of Knowing: Resurgence of Land-Based Pedagogies and Practices, I learned that justice is a relational concept that involves respect for the land, community, and interdependence. This understanding helped me engage with clients and community members with greater humility and empathy, recognizing that each person’s struggle for dignity is tied to broader systems of history and culture. The Indigenous perspective also reinforced the importance of listening and relational accountability, values that guided how I interacted with both colleagues.
Human Rights in Everyday Practice
My Practicum reinforced that human rights are not just abstract principles or legal documents; they are lived realities. I saw how access to housing, healthcare, and education directly affects a person’s dignity and sense of belonging. This experience brought to life the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), which affirms that all individuals have the right to live free from discrimination and deprivation. In the field, I witnessed the human consequences of policies that fail to prioritize social equity. For example, I interacted with newcomers and low-income families who experienced barriers in accessing essential services. These encounters helped me understand that the struggle for human rights begins at the community level through advocacy, compassion, and persistence. It also strengthened my conviction that social justice work must challenge the structures that perpetuate inequality, not just treat its symptoms.
Applying Critical Thinking and Research Skills
My coursework in Research Methods and Moral Economies and Social Movements equipped me with the skills to critically assess the systems within which my Practicum organization operated. I learned to observe patterns, ask critical questions, and analyze the effectiveness of existing interventions. This approach helped me realize that while charitable efforts are important, long-term justice requires structural reform, policy changes, funding adjustments, and a shift in mindset. Additionally, I applied my research and analytical skills to identify gaps in service delivery and propose evidence-based recommendations. This process showed me how academic research can inform advocacy and program design in practical ways.
Growth in Ethical Awareness and Intercultural Competence
One of the most meaningful aspects of my Practicum was developing greater ethical and intercultural awareness. Engaging with people from different cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds required sensitivity, patience, and open-mindedness. My coursework on ethical frameworks and intercultural communication became directly relevant as I learned to navigate power imbalances and respect diverse perspectives. Coming from Nigeria, where I grew up in an environment marked by marginalization and social inequality, I could relate deeply to many of the challenges faced by marginalized groups in Canada. This shared understanding made my interactions more authentic and compassionate. It also reminded me that human rights and social justice are universal struggles that transcend national boundaries.
Integrating Learning and Future Aspirations
The reciprocal relationship between my coursework and Practicum was profound. My academic learning gave me the tools to interpret and address the challenges I observed, while the Practicum made theoretical concepts tangible and emotionally resonant. I learned that human rights work requires both systemic understanding and grassroots engagement. This experience has strengthened my commitment to pursue a career focused on advocacy, financial empowerment, and social inclusion for marginalized communities. It affirmed that sustainable change begins with understanding people’s lived experiences and empowering them to become active participants in shaping their futures.
In essence, my Practicum was not only a field placement, it was a lived classroom where human rights theory met social reality. It transformed my understanding of justice from an academic pursuit into a lifelong mission of compassion, critical reflection, and transformative action.
A Purpose-Built Office Complex Construction Project for Community Futures Development Corporation (CFDC), aimed at advancing contemporary lending and addressing the Legacy of Residential Schools, was the focus of my research work during the practicum.