Mount Kigali University Rwanda (MKUR), in partnership with Rwanda Media Program (RMP) and FOJO Media Institute on 21st, November, 2023 joined the world in celebration of World Television Day.
The day was organized under the theme “Professionalizing Broadcast Training in Rwanda” to provide ongoing students in the departments of Mass Media, Communication, and Journalism with the opportunity to connect with alumni working in television (TV) and other media stakeholders.
According to Festus Irungu the Head of Department (HOD) for the school of Journalism at MKUR, the day is of great importance to practicing journalists and journalism students at MKUR, as seminars and workshops are key requirements for the curriculum implementation.
Furthermore, the day attempted to showcase television’s good impact on education, cultural exchange, and social awareness.
“As we navigate the evolving landscape of media, it is crucial to acknowledge the role of TV in promoting dialogue, understanding and unity. In a world where information is key, Television has the potential to be a force for positive change, advocating for peace, justice, and equality”, said Dr. Nkechi Irechukwu, the DVC ARA MKUR.
Outstanding students from the class of 2023, as well as those working in TV, were recognized by the university for their creativity, commitment and dedication to the industry, during the event that attracted dignitaries from RMP and Fojo Media Institute, among others; Peacemaker Mbuungiramihigo, Media Policy Analyst and Former Executive Secretary of Rwanda Media High Council, Emmanuel Mugisha, Executive Secretary Rwanda Media Commission, Emmanuel Habumuremyi, Executive Secretary from Rwanda Journalists Association, and Annelie Frank, Africa Project Coordinator FOJO.
World television day was declared by the “United General Assembly” in 1996 following the UN’s recognition of the increased impact of Television on decision-making and its role as an ambassador for the entertainment industry.
Despite its critical role in information dissemination, a report by the Fojo Media Institute suggests that access to television in Rwanda is concentrated in urban regions, prompting the government to join forces with citizens in rural areas to ensure simple access to information.
For the past two years, RMP RMP has been empowering Rwandan media students and journalists for the past two years through training, mentorship, seminars, meetings, internships, and study tours, among other things.
Similarly, Fojo Media Institute by Linnaeus University, a Swedish media institute continues to provide mentorship trainings to students of journalism from four universities in Rwanda namely; MKUR, EAUR (East African University Rwanda), ICK (Institute de Kabgyayi), and UR (University of Rwanda).
