AJMI - Doha

Al Jazeera Media Institute held, for the first time, two training courses in Rwanda, one for media students and the other for a group of young journalists last week. Both courses focused on basics of news verification, distinguishing between fake news and disinformation, use of supporting tools and applications, in addition to devoting sufficient time for discussing ethical problems that face journalists during verification process.

On the sidelines of the training program, the delegation of Al Jazeera Media Institute held an open meeting with Rwandan journalists representing public and private sectors, during which a frank discussion was held on challenges of media profession and possible development opportunities, where a fundamental question was raised: How do we create a stronger, more professional and honest media that expresses society? The delegation also listened to insights of journalists on the future of the media landscape locally and regionally, in order to understand aspirations of young journalists who are leading media movement in a country still recovering from serious effects of genocide.

In this context, Al Jazeera Media Institute and Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) signed a memorandum of understanding in the Rwandan capital Kigali, aimed at enhancing cooperation between the two parties. Mrs. Sandrine Ishija, Deputy Director General of Rwanda Broadcasting Agency, stressed that this partnership represents an important milestone in our commitment to developing media in Rwanda, noting that it represents good opportunity to enhance competence of media professionals, as well as providing a gateway to reach a wider audience and telling stories of Rwanda and Africa with a confident authentic voice. She added that the two parties are striving together to improve quality content and focus on narratives that matter to the community and region as well.

The MoU seeks to facilitate exchange of media content, promote co-production and encourage capacity building in line with rapid developments in the field of journalism and public broadcasting. It also sets the stage for joint media projects, sharing best professional practices and supports development in fields of news coverage, production and digital media.

The agreement is expected to contribute to deep understanding of journalistic standards and ethics, enhancing media cooperation between Rwanda and the Institute and supporting accurate, balanced and comprehensive narratives across the region.