From Adversity to Advocacy: The Open University Honours Barrister Joy-Tendai Kangere at Croke Park Ceremony

The Open University is proud to announce that Joy-Tendai Kangere BL will be recognised as an Honorary Doctor at its upcoming degree ceremony at Dublin’s Croke Park. As a practicing barrister, an ardent advocate for lifelong learning, and former columnist for the Irish Independent, Joy-Tendai’s powerful story of resilience and achievement is a testament to the transformative power of education. 

Joy-Tendai's journey, from her childhood between Zimbabwe and South Africa to her rise as an ambitious junior counsel in Dublin, has been marked by perseverance in the face of adversity. As the eldest of five sisters, Joy-Tendai witnessed the harsh realities of racial injustice during her school years—experiences that ignited her passion for justice and equity. After her father’s passing, financial struggles forced her to become creative, opening a tuck shop, selling hot meals to construction workers as a teenager to support her family and fund her education. 

In her early adult years, she relocated to Ireland during the Celtic Tiger boom but faced a new set of challenges. Alone in a foreign country, Joy-Tendai encountered isolation, discrimination, and professional obstacles. Despite these difficulties, she remained focused, balancing various jobs—from sales to administrative work, door-to-door sales and even working as a Crew Member at McDonald's— to support herself, her family and help educate her sisters in Zimbabwe. 

Following the tragic loss of her third child and a near-death experience in 2013, Joy-Tendai turned to education to rebuild her life. She joined the University College Dublin Access and Lifelong Learning Programme, where her passion for learning flourished. After completing her Access to Arts and Human Sciences course, she earned a Bachelor of Civil Law Honours degree and went on to complete her Barrister-at-Law degree at the Honourable King’s Inns, securing the prestigious Denham Fellowship. 

Speaking about Joy-Tendai’s remarkable achievements, John D’Arcy, Director of The Open University in Ireland, said, "Joy-Tendai’s story is an extraordinary journey of resilience, courage, and the relentless pursuit of justice and learning. Her determination to break through barriers and her commitment to lifelong learning reflect the very essence of what The Open University stands for. We are honoured to celebrate her as an Honorary Graduate, and her achievements will undoubtedly inspire others for years to come." 

Beyond her legal career, Joy-Tendai continues to advocate for adult learners and young people from socio-economic disadvantaged communities, including those from the Traveller Community. She was a longstanding representative on the board of AONTAS, the national adult learning organisation, working to ensure that provision meets the needs of learners from all backgrounds. In the wake of the global Black Lives Matter movement, Joy-Tendai steered the organisation to help think about the place of adult education in anti-racist movements. She has also contributed to the afterword of ‘Reunion: Leadership and the Longing to Belong’ by American venture capitalist and coach Jerry Colonna published in 2023. 

She champions those who, like her, have faced significant barriers to education. Reflecting on this recognition, Joy-Tendai Kangere shared, "I am profoundly grateful to be honoured by The Open University. The love of education gifted to me by my mother, has been the cornerstone of my journey. It has empowered me to rise from loss and adversity, and it has given me the opportunity to help others and show my children what they can achieve. I believe in the transformative power of education and lifelong learning, and I hope my journey inspires others to embrace it, no matter the challenges they face." 

One student celebrating on the day is Sean O’Shaughnessy.  At 39, Dublin native Sean has made a remarkable career transition from working as a carpenter to becoming a Civil and Structural Subject Matter Expert (SME) for a leading data centre multinational company.  His journey, from working on rooftops to being employed in an office, highlights the transformative power of education – and the role The Open University played in his success. Sean said “Life came first with the OU.  I could juggle college around life, rather than life around college.  It's really brought me into a whole different life, working in an office rather than being in the rain on a roof. Lots of friends that are tradesmen find it difficult to go back to college.  I tell them it just really opens up a different life.” 

Joy-Tendai’s story is one of empowerment, transformation, and a commitment to education that transcends age, borders, race, and social status. Her life stands as a beacon of hope for anyone who dares to dream beyond their circumstances. 

The Open University is honoured to celebrate Joy-Tendai Kangere at this year’s ceremony, where her story will undoubtedly inspire fellow graduates, adult learners, and the entire community.