Since 2015 RTN is working with UNESCO to empower community radio in the use of ICT. The partnership started with baseline study conducted by RTN within 4 community radios in Rwanda to identify gaps related to the used of ICT. This is part of UNESCO 3 years project aimed at empowering community radio in the use of Information and communication technologies (ICTs). The project intends to increase the quality of local radio programming and broadcasting by fully integrating the use of ICTs, strengthening local reporting on development issues and engaging poor people’s participation in debates related to their livelihood and development.
As a result, last week a training workshop targeting 16 young men and women journalists from 4 community radios were concluded in Bugesera District on the of Internet to report on issue of public concern. The training was sponsored by UNESCO in the course of implemented its 3 years projects Specifically, the training workshop on the use of Internet to report on issue of public concern for community radio journalists aimed at introducing the use of the internet as a source of information for production of content by radios by providing hand on skills on Internet searching as well as use of social media in interacting with the audience..
The training is aimed at achieving the following objectives:
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To enable journalists get hands-on experience on how to use innovatively online applications in searching, packaging and disseminating content on key issues of public concern.
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Discuss and share knowledge how community radios can leverage ICTs to produce radio programmes and improve interactivity with the audience as well as facilitate public debate on issues of public concern
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To increase knowledge on how community radio can facilitate public debates in key issues of public concern.
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Appreciate the risks and legal challenges involved in sourcing information from the Internet.
Based on participant’s feedback, the training was very useful and would help them to use efficiently online tools in their day today work making research and packaging content. More importantly, using social media in community radio to Increase interaction between radio and their audience especially youth.
The 3 days training workshop was facilitate by Rwanda Telecentre Network-RTN and attended by journalist from: Radio Izuba 100 FM (located in Kibungo District, East of Rwanda), Huguka 105.9 FM/107.4 FM (located in Muhanga District), Ishingiro 107.5 FM (located in Gicumbi District), Radio Isangano 89.4 FM (located in Rubengera Sector, Karongi District).