Leading with Integrity

A UCBC law student’s journey toward justice and transformation

For fourth-year law student Christian Basikania, transformation begins with the rule of law. A former Guild President at Université Chrétienne Bilingue du Congo (UCBC), Christian enrolled in the university’s law faculty because its commitment to justice and integrity closely aligned with his own values.

In a region marked by instability and corruption, Christian describes UCBC as a beacon of hope in Eastern Congo. What sets the university apart, he explains, is its commitment to values that are both taught and practiced including bilingualism and servant leadership.

 “UCBC offers a unique environment where values are nurtured,” he said, noting that these tools enable students to become agents of change even in fragile communities like Congo.

Christian points to UCBC’s triadic formation – combining academic training, service-learning and a work program – as the key to providing students with a holistic education. While many institutions focus solely on academics, UCBC integrates servant leadership into every layer of student life. These programs encourage students to engage directly with real-world challenges beyond campus walls. 

Christian recalls first encountering the concept of servant leadership at UCBC and immediately recognizing its power. These experiences, he said, create “a golden opportunity for students to go outside UCBC, identify community challenges and reflect on how to transform those challenges into opportunities.” In doing so, students offer surrounding communities a glimpse of a self-driven and hopeful future being shaped by young leaders willing to step forward.

“I have witnessed firsthand that we may see young people from modest backgrounds empowered to lead, empowered to believe, empowered to influence others,” Christian said, reflecting on the time he spent in the community with his peers. “This has been a true hope that UCBC has given to me.”

Looking ahead, Christian dreams of becoming a sole legal practitioner, running his own law firm after graduation. He hopes to embody the values UCBC has further instilled in him while working toward a more just Congo. 

“We truly believe in a brighter Congo thanks to what UCBC is doing: equipping and empowering the young generation that we are part of.”