Since 2021, our organization has been delivering journalism and human rights training to students in ten secondary schools across Rwanda. Over the past three years, this initiative has aimed to strengthen the knowledge and practical skills of media club members, empowering them to become more informed, responsible, and confident communicators.

The program has been implemented in the following schools:

• GS Akumunigo – Nyarugenge
• GS Mugambazi – Rulindo
• APAPEC Murambi – Rulindo
• ES Kirambo – Burera
• College Inyemeramihigo
• Groupe Scolaire Officiel de Butare (GSOB)
• ES Regina Pacis – Huye
• Rusumo High School – Kirehe
• Kayonza Modern School
• St. Aloys Rwamagana – Eastern Province

Through workshops, interactive sessions, and school-based media projects, students have been exposed to core principles of journalistic ethics, media law, and human rights awareness. The training not only enhances their technical understanding but also nurtures values of empathy, critical thinking, and civic responsibility.

To measure the effectiveness of the program, we recently conducted an evaluation to assess how well students understood and applied what they had learned. The feedback has been both encouraging and insightful.

“The importance of human rights training is that it helps me understand my rights, teaches me to respect others, aids me in protecting my rights from being violated, and boosts my confidence in everyday life,” said Uwayo Latifa, a media club member at Rusumo High School.

From ES Kirambo, Igabe Jean Rene added: “I’m now confident when making conversation with others and I respect their time. This is part of what we call the journalistic genre, particularly in interviews.”

These testimonials reflect the broader impact of the initiative—students are not only learning about media and human rights, but they’re also applying those lessons in meaningful, real-world ways.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to expanding this work, reaching more youth across Rwanda, and continuing to support the next generation of ethical journalists and human rights advocates.