On 14th November 2025, students from Mount Kigali University’s Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication program conducted an educational field visit to Ishingiro Radio in Rwanda’s Northern Province, gaining valuable exposure to professional broadcast journalism. The group of 45 students was led by Festus Irungu, Head of the Mass Media and Communication Department, who emphasized that industry immersion is a key part of their practical learning.
Upon arrival, students were welcomed by the station’s management team, including Ildephonse Sinabubariraga, Managing Director of IShingiro Radio. The group was taken through on-air studios, production rooms, and the newsroom, where they observed the full workflow behind news gathering, program production, and live broadcasting.
Speaking during the visit, Sinabubariraga highlighted the role of community radio in shaping informed societies.
“Radio is more than entertainment — it is a bridge between communities and information,” he said. “We always welcome academic institutions because the future of journalism depends on students who understand both ethics and technology.”
Students watched live programming in progress and observed technical processes such as audio recording, digital editing, sound mixing, and transmission control. Station staff explained how programs are structured, how schedules are designed, and how journalists maintain accuracy and fairness in their reporting.
A major part of the discussions centered on ethical journalism and responsible communication. Students asked questions on newsroom challenges, audience engagement, and how local radio handles misinformation. The station team stressed fact-checking and community responsiveness as essential pillars of their work.
Department head Festus Irungu praised the students for their curiosity and professionalism throughout the visit.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who can walk into any media house and perform with confidence,” Irungu said. Experiences like this help bridge the gap between theory and practice. Ishingiro Radio has offered our students a real feel of how journalism works on the ground.”
He added that such field trips are crucial for strengthening students’ practical skills and preparing them for a competitive media landscape.
For many students, the visit provided another direct encounter with the operations of a professional radio station. Several expressed excitement, noting that seeing journalists and technicians at work deepened their appreciation for the craft.
Mount Kigali University continues to position itself as a rising center of excellence in communication education. In recent years, the university has strengthened its Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication program while expanding its Master’s in Communication Studies, reflecting a strategic commitment to producing industry-ready communicators.
With improved curricula, modern training facilities, and increased collaboration with media institutions across the country, MKU is shaping graduates who are confident, ethical, and technically skilled. The institution’s growing footprint in Rwanda’s media landscape underscores its dedication to nurturing a new generation of journalists and communication specialists capable of driving innovation and contributing meaningfully to national development.
