Rebuilding Rwanda through journalism
History records a major role played by journalists through media to the contribution of ‘The 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi’ in Rwanda.
After the Genocide, journalism schools were introduced in the country to train professional journalists who will do their work with their nation at heart.
The school of journalism at MKUR is one of the biggest schools in the country and has over the years produced professional journalists working in Rwanda and across the Globe.
In an effort to revamp the image of journalists in Rwanda, journalism students at the institute through their association ‘MKUR PRESSMEN’ every year visit a Genocide memorial site to pay tribute to the lost lives, as well as stand with those who lost their loved ones.
This year’s visit was made on 6th/May/2023, at ‘Ntarama memorial site’ located in Bugesera in the Eastern part of Rwanda.
The site stands as a testimony to the atrocities committed during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.
Speaking to ‘MKUR Magazine team’, the students said the experience was very informative and educative to them since to some, the Ntarama memorial site comes as the first Genocide site they’ve been to.
‘As we explored the site, we got a deep understanding of the tragic events that unfolded in Bugesera, starting from 1959, with a particular focus on the horrific events of the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994’, Jane Irakumwenatwe a student commented.
“As we walked through the corners of the site, pictures of the past enveloped us. Our eyes were opened to the terrible misuse of media before and during that dark period, which has now inspired us to harness the power of journalism for the betterment of our nation”, Adam Kwizera noted.
From the memorial site, members of MKUR PRESSMEN fathered their journey, seeking to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
Their path led them to a family of some of the survivors of the 1994 Genocide where they were received with so much joy, a gesture that left marks of gratitude on their hearts.
Witnessing the family’s gratitude reminded them of the power of empathy and kindness to fellow human beings.
The strength and determination of the survivors to build a brighter future reminded them that even in the face of unimaginable tragedy, resilience and hope can endure.
The visit to Ntarama was a humbling experience that provided invaluable insights and served as a catalyst for change.
“The interaction with the family has solidified our commitment to using the media as a tool for positive change”, said Yassin Kobler a practicing journalist and member of MKUR Pressmen.
MKUR PRESSMEN was founded by Ntarindwa Frank a final year journalism student in 2021.
It brings together students of Media and Mass Communication from all intakes and together, they do great things both at the school campus and outside its premises.
All members of the MKU PRESSMEN led by Mugisha Christian pledged that although this is their final year at MKUR, they will continue to honor the memory of those that perished while utilizing their journaistic skills to build a society founded on unity.
