Lawyer Up: Help Christopher Ranthiti go to law school

In 2010, we met a kid called Christopher at a community project in southern Africa. We became friends in about 5 seconds: here was this kid, confined to a wheelchair in the remote mountains of Lesotho, who spoke perfect English and had a whip-smart analysis of the political situations in the US, Africa, Middle East and... why not throw in China too. He was — and remains — brimful with passionate conviction, and unafraid to speak truth to power.

Now, having defied the odds and completed his bachelor's degree, Christopher has won a coveted spot in the National University of Lesotho's law school. If he can complete the three-year program, he can be called to the bar and go on to defend human rights and fight for justice.

Though he has secured a student loan to cover tuition expenses, Chris needs support to pay his living expenses, and the costs of a caregiver who can assist him to attend classes, along with his travels to and from the university campus. We are looking for $12k to cover these costs for his 3 year program, so that he is able to fully participate in his lifelong dream of studying law. Then: look out anyone who has to face him in a debate or cross-examination. What he may lack in physical mobility he more than makes up for in mental acuity, — not to mention his mastery of the art of the witty takedown.

But don't just take it from us... here he is in his own words:

"My name is Retselistsoe Christopher Ranthithi. I am a 31-year-old young man from the kingdom of Lesotho who is living with a disability. I am also interested in social activities such as climate change adaptation and social equality, particularly when it involves people living with a disability.

As great as it is that I've won a place at law school, there are some significant challenges that could prevent me from achieving this noble dream. These challenges are of a financial nature. I am currently unemployed and living with a single mother who is widowed. This creates significant barriers when it comes to me furthering my studies; it's not only the tuition fee I am concerned about, but it is also other associated financial obligations which are unique to a person living with disability.

I was born with cerebral palsy. As you may or may not know, there are different types and different degrees of cerebral palsy. The type I have is such that I am in constant need of a caretaker as I use a wheelchair and am unable to walk. I have full use of one hand, which allows me to write, and the ability, as my friends might tell you, to talk at great length and express my opinions freely.

There are many reasons for why I want to study law, but for convenience and understanding sake I will pick only three.

1. For the past 8 years I have been involved in some form of activism, either being climate justice, the improvement of education and access to education, or promoting an inclusive society in Lesotho. These are things that are very close to my heart. All these activities will be further improved once I gain a profound and precise understanding of the judicial system: not just that of the kingdom of Lesotho, but continentally and globally as well.

The reality of the world is that what happens in countries like Canada and the United States does impact me as a citizen and others like me who face the twin challenges of climate change adaptation and economic inequity.

2. Once I graduate and become a practicing lawyer I will be in a better position to advocate for other people who are living with disabilities who unfortunately — due to political and legal neglect — have been unable to attend school or further their studies. I am eager to contribute to creating an inclusive environment whereby all citizens are given equal opportunity and have access to all the relevant knowledge that will help them to live a full and productive life.

3. Similarly an understanding of policy frameworks and the ability to influence such will allow me to advocate for my Nation to enforce our people’s environmental rights due to the devastating impacts we face from climate inaction.

If I can attend the university and obtain my bachelor's degree in law I will be blazing a trail for other people with disabilities to access higher education, and will use my degree to defend people from injustice, push back against policies that harm people and the environment, and establish precedents that create better laws."