1.HISTORY
Hekima College was founded in 1984 as a school of Theology by the major Superiors of the Society of Jesus in Africa and Madagascar.Its central aim and purpose was to provide a first theological formation at University level for Jesuit students preparing for priesthood.Hekima college has been recognized as Constituent College of The Catholic University of Eastern Africa in the University Charter.Relations between the College and University are established by the terms of the Costituent Colleges Convention ,dated 10th June 1993.
Besides the central aim and purpose of providing courses in theology for the members of the Society of Jesus,the college was to "offer formation for men and women seeking to take their place in the evangelizing mission of the church,be they religious or lay people”.It is in line with this second aim and to respond to new challenges that in 2004 Hekima College celebrated its 20th anniversary with the Institute of Peace Studies and Internatioal Relations.
The Hekima College Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations{HIPSIR} is a culmination of a monthly discussions and reflections of the Hekima Peace Forum ,a group consisting of students of the Jesuit School of Theology and representative of Nairobi based Non-Governmental Organizations and individuals involved in Peace-building and conflict analysis.
2.VISION
Hekima College is an institution that blends integral human formation with higher learning to prepare men and women for the challenges of a ‘faith that does justice’.This is achieved through pursuing ‘Truth that sets free’,with full dedication and integrity ,in the best of Jesuit tradition of education; that is,
a) a constant search for excellence according to Jesuit Motivating spirit of magis
b) a humanistic orientation of education that promotes a holistic orientation of education that promotes a holistic formation inclusive of spiritual values.
c) a personal ad individual care of students known as cura personalis
d) a service to the community through promotion of justice
3.MISSION
The Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations carries on this vision in a specific mission,i.e. to train the students to provide instructin and expertise in peace building at a high-quality tertiary education level.
Rooted in the Christian faith of the vision of Hekima Collegefrom which it draws inspiration,the Istitute of Peace Studies and International Relations commits itself to provide an ecumenical and inter-religious perspective to conflict management,resolution and peace-building.Sharing in the heritage of Jesuit education,the Institute of Peace Studies and Internationa Relations pursuis its mission in three ways:
through teaching ,learning and research in International Relations,and by monitoring conflict issues in Africa.
- By developing a database and a documentation centre on conflict management and peace studies,and
- By fostering conflict situations understanding through dialogue towards peace,in specific conflict situations.
4.PHILOSOPHY
The Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations fulfills this Mission with a vivid concern for all matters related to integral human,social,cultural and spiritual development in the society.In line with the Jesuuit tradition of education,it expects and demands academic excellence for its teachers and students in view of the leadership they are called to exercise for the well- being of each human being and for the building of a just human society.
5.MOTTO:Veritus,Libertas et Iustitia.
The search for truth versus any form of ideology,the struggle for freedom versus any type of oppression,and the promotion of justice and peace versus any form of injustice and social disorder constitute the solemn leitmotive of the Institute of Peace Studies and International Relations
