In a bid to shape the next generation of journalists, 40 enthusiastic students from various Rwandan universities gathered at Virunga Hotel in Musanze for an intensive three-day training program that concluded on November 13, 2024.
The training brought together students from four universities: the University of Rwanda, Institut Catholique de Kabgayi (ICK), Mount Kigali University, and East African University Rwanda.
According to Ange Ingabire Mukamyi, one of the participants, the training was a game-changer. “I now feel confident in my ability to gather, write, and present news with clarity and impact,” said Mukamyi, a student at East African University Rwanda. “Understanding the core principles of journalism, ethics, and storytelling will definitely help me produce content that informs and inspires,” she added.
The program provided a comprehensive dive into core journalistic skills, covering topics such as Kinyarwanda writing rules, news reporting, social media strategies, multimedia storytelling, pitching compelling stories, and mastering interview techniques.
Yvan Ngendanzi, a participant from the University of Rwanda, emphasized the value of capacity strengthening for their career journey. “These trainings are shaping us into the media professionals Rwanda needs, giving us the tools to thrive in an increasingly competitive field,” he said. Organized by the Fojo Media Institute under the Rwanda Media Programme (RMP), the workshop was designed to sharpen the skills of aspiring journalists and prepare them for the ever-evolving media landscape.
Claudine Mahoro, the RMP University Coordinator, highlighted that the training sessions are designed to address challenges related to media education.
“We identified specific gaps in Kinyarwanda writing and social media storytelling during our mentorship with student-led magazines. That’s why we tailored this training to fill those gaps and help students excel,” Mahoro explained.
As the digital age transforms the way news is gathered and shared, the need for skilled, ethical journalists has never been greater. Ferdinand Maniraguha, one of the trainers and a senior editor at Igihe.com, a popular news platform, encouraged the students to stay up-to-date with journalism trends. “Journalism today is changing faster than ever. As digital platforms grow, we’re seeing citizen journalism take center stage, often at the expense of professional standards,” Maniraguha noted, adding that such training programs help ensure that future journalists are prepared to uphold the integrity of the profession.
The students gained valuable skills in news reporting, social media management, multimedia storytelling, and crafting story ideas.
Beyond the technical skills, the workshop offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with peers from different universities and industry experts. The lively exchanges of ideas and experiences created an inspiring atmosphere, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support.
By the end of the training, the students left Musanze not just with sharpened skills but with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper connection to their peers. This training was more than just a series of workshops; it was a stepping stone toward a brighter future for journalism in Rwanda.
