Journalism and media training at Mount Kigali University has received a major boost. This is after the Rwanda Media Programme (RMP) donated equipment worth over Rwf5 million to the university training on December 13, 2024.

The International Programme Manager of the Swedish Fojo Media Institute, Annelie Frank, handed over the equipment to the university’s Head of the Journalism and Media Department, Festus Irungu.

This equipment will support the production of content for the MKU Magazine and provide hands-on training for journalism students. The donation aligns with the five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Mount Kigali University and Fojo to build capacity in Media Studies training.

The donated equipment and accessories include: Two iPhone 14 Pro Max smartphones, one HP Desktop computer; two wireless microphones compatible with iPhones; two smartphone tripods; one uninterruptible power supply (UPS) device that supports at least two desktops; one 2TB external hard drive for expanded storage; and one power extension cable for flexibility and multiple device connections.

Among other goals, RMP focuses on enhancing the capacity of institutions offering journalism education to equip students with practical skills, gender awareness, and connections to local and international media networks. RMP emphasises the need to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry demands, enabling students to graduate with a strong foundation in modern journalism practices.

The university’s Vice-Chancellor, Dr Martin Kimemia, expressed his gratitude, stating, "The new equipment will be essential for students undertaking online journalism, especially for podcasting and digital content creation. This will help to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience.”

The five-year MoU from 2021-2026 focuses on news and newsroom production, in line with the international journalistic core values of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability that will have a strong gender focus.

The partnership has a mentorship initiative, where experienced professionals guide university magazine teams. This programme has been instrumental in improving reporting and writing standards among student journalists. At Mount Kigali University, the mentor is Collin Haba, former Managing Director of The New Times.

"With journalism increasingly reliant on digital platforms, mobile journalism has become an indispensable skill. These tools will ensure students are ready to meet industry demands,” the MoU states.

Speaking to MKU Magazine, Irungu expressed his satisfaction with the support from the Fojo Media Institute, saying, "These supplies will be invaluable for online magazine production, podcasting, and digital journalism training. They mark a significant step in our efforts to provide practical, hands-on learning experiences to our students.”

Mount Kigali University is a key player in Rwanda’s journalism sector. It has produced hundreds of professional journalists who are making significant contributions across various media platforms. Among its graduates are award-winning journalists recognised for their excellence and impact on the industry.

The university has also strengthened its commitment to media professionalism by introducing postgraduate studies, such as a Master’s in Journalism and Media Studies. This programme is designed to help key players in the media sector, including journalists and media house managers, enhance their skills and capabilities, which are essential for driving the profession forward and shaping the future of media in Rwanda and beyond.